How to Get a Unique Taxpayer Reference (UTR)
For Individuals (Self-Employed / Sole Traders)
If you’re self-employed or a sole trader and you’ve registered for Self Assessment with HMRC, your UTR will be issued when you:
- Complete the online registration for Self Assessment
- Or, if you already filed your first tax return, HMRC would have sent your UTR in the post.
For Companies (Limited Companies)
When you register your limited company with Companies House, HMRC will automatically issue a UTR for the company. You’ll receive the UTR by post within 3-5 days of your company’s incorporation.
However, you still need to register for Corporation Tax separately with HMRC, and once registered, you’ll need to file Corporation Tax returns annually.
For Directors
Company directors are required to complete Self Assessment tax returns. Therefore, you’ll need to apply for your own personal UTR if you haven’t already.
Note: If you’re a director of a UK company, you may need to report income from dividends, salary, or other company earnings on your Self Assessment form.
What to Do If You Lose Your UTR
If you lose your UTR or don’t have it to hand, you can:
- Find it on any previous correspondence from HMRC, like your tax return or PAYE paperwork.
- Look it up in your personal online tax account if you’ve registered for one.
- Contact HMRC directly to request a replacement, which can be done over the phone or in writing.
It’s important to keep this number safe as you’ll need it for your annual tax filings, business registration, and tax-related queries.
UTR vs. Other Tax Identifiers
- National Insurance Number (NI): This is an identifier for individuals to track National Insurance contributions and certain taxes, but it’s not the same as your UTR.
- Company Registration Number (CRN): This identifies your company with Companies House, not HMRC.
- VAT Number: A separate number required only if your business is VAT-registered.
While these identifiers may seem similar, they each serve a different purpose within the tax and business registration systems.
Common UTR Issues
- Not Receiving Your UTR: If you’re a new business owner or contractor, there may be a delay in receiving your UTR from HMRC. However, you can always follow up to ensure it’s being processed.
- Mistakes on Your UTR: Ensure you enter your UTR correctly when filing tax returns or making payments. Errors can cause confusion and delay processing.
How Accounting Wise Can Help
Managing your UTR and tax obligations can feel daunting, especially if you’re new to the world of Self Assessment or running a limited company. At Accounting Wise, we can help you:
- Register for Self Assessment and ensure you get your UTR.
- Set up your company for Corporation Tax and get your company’s UTR.
- File your Self Assessment tax returns on time and ensure your business tax affairs are in order.
- Provide expert advice on tax planning and filing to avoid penalties or missed deadlines.
Don’t let your UTR get lost in the shuffle. Speak to Accounting Wise today to stay compliant with HMRC and simplify your tax obligations.
