What is a UTR number?​

UTR number example

Here’s an example of what your UTR number might look like: 9876543210.

Sometimes, a UTR number might be broken up into blocks of digits (9876-5432-10 or 98765 43210, for instance). You might even find a letter stuck at the end of it. Don’t worry, though. It’s still the same number and it’s still used for the same basic things.

UTR NumberHow can I get a UTR number by phone?

You get your UTR by phone by calling HMRC’s Self Assessment helpline on 0300 200 3310. You’ll still need to give HMRC all the information they need to sort out your UTR, and pass some security checks so they’re sure who they’re talking to.

What is a UTR number?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.

If you've signed up for an account on the HMRC website, you can also check your UTR number by logging in. If you're still not sure, give RIFT Tax Refunds a shout and we'll help you track it down.

Tax CodesIs a UTR number the same as a tax code?

No, UTR numbers and tax codes are very different things, and are used for completely different purposes:

• A UTR number is used by HMRC to personally identify you or your business when dealing with things like your Self Assessment paperwork. If you’ve never been self-employed, claimed a tax refund or run your own business, you may never have needed one of these.
• Your tax code is the string of numbers and letters that tells HMRC what kind of tax-free Personal Allowance you qualify for, and also specifies any particular circumstances affecting your tax situation.

UTR NumberWhy do I need a UTR number?

Some of the most common times you'll be needing your UTR are:

• When you're filing a Self Assessment tax return.
• When you sign up for the Construction Industry Scheme (CIS).
• When you’re working with someone who's managing your finances for you (like an accountant).

For tax refunds, you’ll need to send HMRC a Self Assessment tax return if your allowable expenses are over £2,500. That means you’ll need to sign up for the Self Assessment system and get a UTR to apply for your refund.

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, RIFT will make sure you’re set up properly and as quickly as possible.

Working in ConstructionI'm in construction and my employer wants to know my UTR number. Help!

Without a UTR, you aren't properly signed up as self-employed. In construction, this can be a serious problem. Without a UTR, you can't use Self Assessment or sign up for the Construction Industry Scheme (CIS). The CIS system is designed to crack down on dodgy ‘cash-in-hand’ payment in construction. CIS basically hands 20% of self-employed construction workers' pay over to HMRC as an advance payment against the tax they'll owe. The problem is, the CIS taxes your pay from the very first penny, so it can lead to people paying way too much tax and being owed a refund. Your UTR is the key to getting signed up properly to pay your tax – and to claiming back what you're owed.

By the way, don't be fooled into thinking it’s a good idea to ignore the CIS altogether. Not registering when you’re supposed to will cost you a much larger chunk of your pay than doing it right. Talk to RIFT if you're being asked for a UTR and don't have one, or don't understand why you need it.

UTR NumberDoes being asked for a UTR number mean that I'm owed a tax rebate?

It's pretty likely you should be claiming a yearly tax rebate from HMRC. n construction, those CIS deductions your contractor takes out of your pay can leave you forking over too much tax. This can happen because they don't take your tax-free Personal Allowance into account. If you don't have a UTR, you won't be able to claim it back.

Do I need a UTR number as a Sole Trader?

A UTR is essential when you work as a sole trader and pay your tax through the Self Assessment system. Getting a UTR is a core part of setting up for Self Assessment, and without one you can expect major headaches sorting out your tax situation.

Here's what you need to do to get your UTR if you're a Sole Trader or self-employed:

• Register for HMRC Online Services and sign up to the Self Assessment system. Once that’s done, you’ll get your UTR by post.
• If you want to get your UTR by phone, call HMRC on 0300 200 3310. They’ll still need to post your number out to you, though.
• If you want apply for your UTR by post, you can write to HMRC directly. Expect this to take longer than the other methods, since there’ll probably be some extra hoops to jump through.
• However you apply for your UTR as a Sole Trader, you’ll still need to provide the same basic information. That includes your personal and contact details, along with the kind of work you do.

UTR NumberWhat's a company UTR number?

Businesses have UTRs, just like people. A company UTR gets sent out when you first set your company up. Like a personal UTR, it's just a 10-digit code used to identify your firm for tax purposes. You'll find it on some of your HMRC documents, like your CT603 form, ‘Notice to deliver a company tax return’.

A company UTR is different from a company registration number (CRN), so don't get them confused. A CRN is sent out when your company is ‘incorporated’ (becomes its own legal entity). You'll need it whenever you're dealing with Companies House.

P45Will my UTR number appear on my P45?

UTR numbers aren't normally needed for people who work for an employer and pay all their tax through the PAYE system (unless they’re getting tax refunds for their work expenses). When you stop working for an employer, you get a P45 that lists, among other things, your National Insurance number, your employer's PAYE reference number and your tax code. These are all different from your UTR, and used for different things.