How do I find my UTR number?
Can’t find your UTR number? We’ve got you covered. This article has swift, easy-to-follow instructions to help you retrieve your Unique Taxpayer Reference quickly and effortlessly.
Overview:
Understanding your UTR number
The UTR number is a unique 10-digit number that is often required when managing your tax affairs. We’ll explore in detail what exactly a UTR is and its significance in the UK tax system.
What is a UTR number?
The acronym ‘UTR’ stands for Unique Taxpayer Reference. This 10-digit code is your tax identity, a numerical fingerprint that ensures your tax contributions and liabilities are accurately recorded by HMRC.
Who needs a UTR Number?
If you’re receiving income through self-employment, property rentals, or even a business partnership, the taxman will want to keep tabs on you through a UTR number.
Should your company receive a nudge from HMRC to file a tax return, a UTR number will be required to deal withthe ensuing paperwork battle.
Get in touch with one of Sleek’s many experts today!
Obtaining your UTR number
Embarking on the quest to obtain your UTR number is a straightforward process that can be done online, by post, or even over the phone.
Once you’ve registered for Self Assessment or have set up a Limited Company, HMRC will provide you with a UTR number automatically. So, how can you register and secure this number for your business?
Registering for self-assessment
Once your income as a sole trader or from property rentals surpasses certain thresholds, it’s time to register for self-assessment. Once you have registered for self-assessment, HMRC will send your UTR number by post.
Remember to mark the deadline for registering on your calendar – before October 5 of your business’s second tax year, and make use of return or payment reminders to stay organised.
Setting up a limited company
For those of you establishing a limited company, the process is somewhat different.
In this case you will need to register your new company with Companies House and your UTR number will be sent to your business address, serving as your company’s identifier for all things tax.
Armed with this number, you’re equipped to pay corporation tax and deal with other tax-related responsibilities.
Locating or recovering your UTR number
Your UTR number can be found in your official correspondence from HMRC, within your Personal Tax Account, or in your Government Gateway Account.
HMRC Correspondence
If you go through your paperwork, you will be able to find your UTR number on letters and emails from HMRC, often positioned near the top of the page. You may find it under the label ‘Reference’ or ‘Tax Reference’.
Personal Tax Account
If you log into your Personal Tax Account, you’ll find your UTR number within the Self Assessment section. Your Personal Tax Account is accessible via the HMRC app, offering a convenient way to keep your tax obligations in check.
Government Gateway Account
You can also find your UTR number in your Government Gateway Account, under the account summary or within the Self Assessment tax section.
If you haven’t yet registered for HMRC’s online services, doing so will provide you with your UTR as part of the initiation process.
If you’re the director of a limited company, you’ll also be able to find your UTR number in the Corporation Tax online service.
Contacting HMRC
Should your UTR number remain elusive, HMRC’s helpline is there to help you. After proving your identity, expect a written copy of your UTR to be dispatched to your registered address, typically taking 10 to 15 days to arrive.
Get in touch with one of Sleek’s many experts today!
Keeping your UTR number secure
As with any valuable asset, your UTR number must be safely kept. We’ll show you how to safeguard your UTR number effectively, ensuring its protection against potential misuse.
Privacy and security measures
Your UTR number should be shared only with verified individuals or organisations and stored securely, whether in a locked cabinet or an encrypted digital file.
Preventing scams and fraud
The threat of scams and fraud is always a possibility when it comes to your UTR number. Questioning the authenticity of unexpected requests can prevent the misuse of your tax identity.
For businesses, enlisting the expertise of tax professionals can protect you against potential financial penalties and compliance pitfalls related to tax payments.
Managing multiple UTR numbers
As you expand into multiple business ventures, you may find yourself in possession of more than one UTR number—one for your personal tax affairs and another for your limited company or business partnership. You’ll need to make sure you apply each UTR correctly in its respective domain.
Sole traders with limited Companies
For sole traders who are also directors of a limited company, there’s a need to distinguish between the UTR number that represents your personal tax affairs and the one that stands for your company’s fiscal responsibilities.
Business partnerships
In the realm of business partnerships, each business partner is bestowed their own UTR number in addition to one that represents the partnership itself.
Working with tax professionals
Working with tax professionals can help you navigate complex tax regulations and ensure your UTR numbers are managed effectively.
These professionals can use your UTR to access your tax records, devise strategies that comply with HMRC regulations, and resolve any UTR-related issues that may arise.
Let’s explore how the expertise of tax professionals can help keep your tax affairs in order.
Resolving UTR-related issues
A tax professional can help you by addressing and resolving any UTR-related issues you may encounter with HMRC. Their expertise allows them to:
- Handle discrepancies
- Ensure a swift resolution
- Avoid delays
- Keep your tax journey on track.
Get in touch with one of Sleek’s many experts today!
Summary
It’s clear that the UTR number is more than just a series of digits—it’s the cornerstone of your tax identity in the UK. This guide has covered everything from obtaining and locating to securing and managing your UTR.
FAQs
You can find your UTR number in your Personal Tax Account, in the HMRC app, or on previous tax returns and other documents from HMRC. It is usually mentioned in any communication you receive from HMRC regarding your tax obligations.
You can get a UTR number for the first time by registering for self-assessment online and providing all the necessary information to HMRC. They will then send your UTR number and activation code to you.
No, your company’s UTR number is different from your personal UTR number. Each entity will have its own distinct UTR number.
Your Unique Taxpayer Reference (UTR) is not typically included on your payslip. A payslip generally contains information about your earnings, deductions, and taxes withheld by your employer. Your UTR is a unique 10-digit number assigned to you by HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) and is used to identify you for tax purposes. You can find your UTR on correspondence from HMRC, such as tax returns or self-assessment statements, or by logging into your HMRC online account.
Yes, your Unique Taxpayer Reference (UTR) number is usually included on your P60 form alongside other personal information, such as your name and National Insurance number.
Yes, your Unique Taxpayer Reference (UTR) number is typically included on your P45 form.
Having a Unique Taxpayer Reference (UTR) number does not necessarily mean you are self-employed. While self-employed individuals are assigned UTR numbers by HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) for tax purposes, having a UTR could also apply to individuals who receive other types of income, such as rental income, investment income, or income from freelance work.
