A Unique Taxpayer Reference (UTR) is a 10-digit number issued by HMRC that uniquely identifies individual taxpayers or businesses for tax purposes. It is essential for submitting tax returns or communicating with HMRC about your taxes.
1. Register for Self Assessment
You get a UTR number by registering with HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) for Self Assessment if you are self-employed, a sole trader, or a partner in a business partnership.
Visit the official HMRC website and navigate to the Self Assessment registration page.
If you are self-employed or a sole trader, select the corresponding option.
If registering a partnership or limited company, choose the appropriate registration option.
You will be asked to provide your personal details, including:
Full name
Date of birth
National Insurance number
Contact details (address, phone number, email)
Information about your business (type, start date, expected income)
2. Submit Your Application
Complete the online registration form with accurate information to avoid delays. You'll receive an on-screen confirmation once your registration is successful.
3. Receive Your UTR Number by Post
After registration, HMRC will send your UTR number through the post.
For sole traders and self-assessment registrants, the UTR usually arrives within 10 working days (21 days if you live abroad).
For partnerships, you receive a partnership UTR plus each partner registers individually and gets their personal UTR.
4. Keep Your UTR Secure
Treat your UTR like sensitive financial information. Share it only with HMRC, authorised accountants or tax advisors, and trusted parties. Never disclose it to cold callers, unsolicited email requests, or unknown third parties.
By Phone: Call HMRC's Self Assessment helpline at 0300 200 3310 for assistance or to request your UTR if previously registered.
By Post: If you cannot register online, you can request and fill out form SA1 (for self-employment) or SA400 (for partnerships) and send it by post to HMRC.
Once you receive your UTR, use it for all tax returns and payments related to your business or personal tax matters. You can also use it to set up an online Self Assessment account with HMRC.
Don’t panic if you’ve lost your UTR number. Make sure to check all of the documents listed above to see if you can find it there. If you still can’t see it, you should contact HMRC directly by phone.