What Is a UTR Number? How to Find or Get Yours (UK)

If you’ve started doing your own tax — or set up a company — you’ll have come across the term “UTR.” It sounds technical, but it’s simply your tax ID number. Here’s what it is, how to get one, and where to find it.

What is a UTR number?

A UTR (Unique Taxpayer Reference) is the 10-digit number HMRC uses to identify you for tax. Think of it as your personal (or company’s) reference in HMRC’s system.

You need it to:

• File a Self Assessment tax return
• Deal with HMRC about your tax
• Work with an accountant who files on your behalf

Both individuals registered for Self Assessment and limited companies have a UTR.

How to get a UTR

You don’t apply for a UTR directly — you get one automatically when you register:

• As an individual: register for Self Assessment with HMRC (as a sole trader, landlord, or other taxpayer who must file)
• As a company: you’re issued one when the company is incorporated at Companies House

After registering, HMRC posts your UTR to you — usually within about 10 working days.

Why timing matters

Because there’s a lead time, you should register well before the 31 January Self Assessment deadline. Leaving registration late risks your UTR not arriving in time to file — and a missed deadline means an automatic penalty. If you’re newly self-employed, sorting your UTR early is one less thing to worry about in January.

Where to find your UTR

If you’ve already got one, it’s on:

• Previous tax returns
• Your HMRC online account
• HMRC letters — your “Notice to file a tax return”, statements of account, or the letter sent when you first registered

For a company, it’s on HMRC correspondence and in your company’s tax records.

UTR vs company number — not the same thing

A common mix-up: a company registration number comes from Companies House and identifies the company on the public register; a UTR comes from HMRC and identifies a taxpayer for tax. A limited company has both.

Get registered and ready

A UTR is a small but essential piece of the tax puzzle — and getting registered correctly and on time is the foundation of staying on top of your tax. Our accountants for the self-employed get you registered, sort your UTR, and handle your Self Assessment so you’re set up right from the start. For the bigger picture, see Self Assessment explained.