Thousands of people wonder how to find UTR number and search for its method, especially when filing a tax return or registering as self-employed. HMRC uses it for your tax identification purposes. Without it, you cannot complete important tax tasks.
You may have questions such as, “What is a UTR number?” and “What are the types of UTR?” In this article, we explainhow to find the UTR number and other important related aspects.
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What Is a UTR Number?
Before you learn how to find UTR number, you should know it is.
- A UK Unique Taxpayer Reference (UTR) is a 10-digit number issued by HMRC.
- It is used to identify your tax records for Self Assessment, limited companies or partnerships.
- You can find it in official letters, tax returns, the HMRC app or your Personal Tax Account.
- It is essential for filing tax returns and communicating with HMRC.
How To Get a UTR Number?
Learning how to find UTR number requires the following methods.
- The easiest way is to apply online. You can do it by providing your name, address, National Insurance number, and work details. After that, HMRC will mail your 10-digit UTR within 10 working days.
- You can also contact the Self Assessment helpline to request it.
- Alternatively, you can apply by post. This can be done by filling in and sending form SA1.
Who Needs a UTR Number?
Once you learn how to find UTR number, you should understand that a HMRC UTR number is required by the following individuals and entities:
Self-Employed Individuals
Anyone registered for Self Assessment to declare income from self-employment.
Limited Companies
It is required for Corporation Tax.
Partnerships And Trusts
For filing their respective tax returns.
Individuals With Other Taxable Income
If HMRC asks you to complete a tax return for other reasons, like rental income or high earnings.
What Information Do I Need To Register for a UTR Number?
When learning about how to find UTR number, you should also know what information you need to register for a company UTR number. You cannot apply for a UTR directly as HMRC issues it automatically when you register for Self Assessment or incorporate a limited company.
For Individuals/Sole Traders/Partners
You must register with HMRC online or by phone using the SA1 form (or CWF 1 form if self-employed). You will require the following information:
- Full name and date of birth
- Current home address and contact details (phone, email)
- National Insurance number
- The date you started (or plan to start) self-employment
- A description of your business activity
For Limited Companies
The UTR is sent automatically to your company’s registered office address after you incorporate your company with Companies House. You require the following details:
- Company Name
- Company Registration Number (CRN)
- Registered office address
- Data trading started
- Principal business address
- Standard Industrial Classification (SIC) code
- Names and addresses of all company directors
How Do I Register For a Unique Taxpayer Reference Number?
After learning how to find UTR number, you can register for UTR by following this process step-by-step:
- Register for Self-Assessment online.
- You will need your National Insurance number, address, and date of birth.
- HMRC will send your UTR by post within 10-15 working days.
How Many Types Of UTR Are There?
After learning how to find UTR number, you should know that there are different types depending on the taxpayer’s structure:
Individual UTR
It is issued to individuals (like sole traders) who need to file a Self Assessment tax return for income not taxed at source. This includes self-employment or property rental income.
Partnership UTR
A specific UTR is issued to the partnership entity itself, in addition to each partner needing their own individual UTR for their personal tax affairs.
Company UTR
This is issued to limited companies for Corporation Tax.
What To Do When Finding a Lost UTR Number?
When finding a lost company UTR number, you must log in to your Government Gateway account or the HMRC app and check your old tax returns or HMRC letters. Then, contact the Self Assessment helpline, and you will need your National Insurance number.
If you call HMRC, then they will not give the UTR over the phone for security reasons, but will post it to your registered address within 10-15 working days.
How To Find Company UTR Number?
Once you understand how to find UTR number, you can find a company’s UTR number by following this process:
HMRC Welcome Letter
The original letter was sent to your registered office when the company was incorporated.
Business Tax Account
Viewable after logging in to your Government Gateway account.
Corporation Tax Notices
Printed on tax return reminders or payment notices.
Request Online
If you cannot find it, then you can request your Corporation Tax UTR online, which will be sent to your registered address.
Ask your Accountant
Your tax adviser will have this on record.
How to Apply for a UTR Number for the First Time?
After learning about how to find UTR number, let’s discuss how to apply for it for the first time. You do not get to apply for a UTR number in the UK directly; instead, HMRC will issue it automatically when you register for Self Assessment(if you are self-employed, have rental income, etc.) or when you incorporate a limited company.
For Individuals (Self-employed, Sole Traders, or Other Untaxed Income)
- To get a personal UTR, register for Self Assessment online by providing your personal details, including your National Insurance number and the date your self-employment started or will start.
- Register on the official HMRC website and create a Government Gateway user ID if you don’t have one.
- Your 10-digit UTR will be mailed to your home address within approximately 10 working days, with a separate activation code to follow for online account access.
For Limited Companies
- When you register a limited company with Companies House, HMRC is automatically notified.
- After incorporating your company with Companies House, HMRC will issue the company’s UTR and send it to the registered office within about 10-14 days.
- You must then register the company for Corporation Tax within three months of starting business activities.
Bottom Line
A commonly asked question from business owners is how to find UTR number. Finding your UTR number in the UK doesn’t have to be stressful. Whether you already have one and just misplaced it or you’re registering for the first time, HMRC offers several straightforward ways to access your Unique Taxpayer Reference.
And if you are self-employed or starting a limited company, getting your UTR early ensures you stay compliant and avoid unnecessary delays with tax submissions. Once you understand what a UTR number in the UK is and where it’s used, managing your tax responsibilities becomes much easier.
If you need help registering, retrieving, or are worried about how to find UTR number, then professional support is always available, so you never have to tackle it alone.
Reach out to one of our professionals to get to know about a how to find UTR number in the UK. Get in touch with us, and you will be provided instant professional help!
Disclaimer: This article intends to provide general information on how to find UTR number in the UK.
