HMRC Utr

Unique Taxpayer Reference numbers (or UTRs) are 10-digit codes that uniquely identify you or your business. They’re used by HMRC whenever they’re dealing with your tax. From claiming a tax refund to filing a Self Assessment tax return, your UTR will make sure the taxman always knows who he’s talking to.

  • If you have a UTR number and work in trades – you need to complete a tax return and may be owed a tax rebate. RIFT can help.
  • If you have a UTR number and are self-employed – we can help with your tax return.

Where can I find my UTR number?

Once you’ve been issued a UTR, you’ll be able to find it in all kinds of official HMRC documents, including:

  • Your SA250 “Welcome to Self Assessment” letter.
  • Your Self Assessment tax return paperwork.
  • Your notice to file a tax return.
  • Your statement of account.
  • Any payment reminders you get.

Why do I need a UTR Number?

Some of the most common times you’ll be needing your UTR are when you’re filing a tax return, signing up for the Construction Industry Scheme (CIS) or working with someone who’s managing your finances for you (like an accountant).

For tax refund claims, you’ll need to send HMRC a Self Assessment tax return if you’re claiming for expenses of over £2,500. That means signing up for the Self Assessment system, so you’ll need a UTR to get your money.

Even if you’re on the books and paid through PAYE, if you’ve got other money coming in (from rent, for instance), HMRC could be expecting a Self Assessment tax return from you. Again, that means you’ll need to register for the system and get a UTR to stay inside the law. Getting caught without one can mean fines and even criminal penalties.

Business partnerships also need UTRs, both for the company itself and for each partner involved.

You can only get a UTR directly from HMRC. If you need one, though, we’ll make sure you’re set up properly and as quickly as possible.

UTR NUMBER

How to get a UTR number

Since HMRC uses your UTR to identify you whenever they’re dealing with your tax situation, it’s important to make sure you’ve got one if needed. You’ll get a UTR automatically when you sign up for the Self Assessment tax return system. Once that’s all sorted out, which can take a few weeks, you’ll find your UTR cropping up basically whenever you’re dealing with HMRC or your taxes.

Because it can be a while before your UTR gets sent out, it’s always best not to leave it to the last minute to start the ball rolling. A couple of months before you’ll need to file your first tax return should be long enough to stay on the safe side. The deadline for filing is the 31st of January, assuming you do it online.

When you’re ready, RIFT will send out an SA-1 form for you to sign. You’ll also get a UTR automatically when you set up a Limited Company. Both you and your company will need one, and RIFT can help you get everything set up quickly and easily.

There’ll be a few security hoops to jump through to get your UTR. The taxman’s a real stickler for confirming who he’s talking to (thankfully). When you’re all set, HMRC will send you a letter called “Welcome to Self Assessment”, which will show your UTR on it. You’ll only get your UTR by post, and that part of the process can take up to 7 days. Again, it’s best to get yourself sorted at least several weeks before your first filing date.

After signing up for HMRC’s online services, you’ll get an email with your login details in it. Logging in will give you a chance to check your UTR. If you’re teaming up with RIFT for your Self Assessment returns or tax refunds, let us know your UTR as soon as possible so we can get to work for you.

UTR NUMBER

Information needed to get a UTR number

Since your UTR is just used to identify you, most of the information needed to get one is pretty basic and obvious. When you register for Self Assessment, you’ll need to tell HMRC:

  • Your name, date of birth and address.
  • Your National Insurance number.
  • Your email address and telephone number
  • The name, address and nature of your business.
  • Your business telephone number.
  • The date your self-employment started.

Find a lost UTR number

You’ll automatically be sent a Unique Taxpayer Reference (UTR) when you:

  • register for Self Assessment
  • set up a limited company

It’s a 10-digit number. It might just be called ‘tax reference’.

This guide is also available in Welsh (Cymraeg).

Where to find your UTR

Your UTR is on previous tax returns and other documents from HMRC, for example:

  • notices to file a return
  • payment reminders

You can also find your UTR in your Personal Tax Account if you’re registered for Self Assessment.

If you cannot find your UTR

Call the Self Assessment helpline to request your UTR if you cannot find any documents from HMRC.

If you have a limited company, you can request your Corporation Tax UTR online. HMRC will send it to the business address that’s registered with Companies House.

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