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Where Can I Find My Unique Taxpayer Reference (UTR) Number?
- What is a UTR number?
- How do I get a UTR number?
- Comprehensive tax return services
- Where do I find my UTR number?
- What if I can't find my UTR?
Along with your name and date of birth, HMRC uses unique reference numbers to help them locate and manage your tax records. A Unique Taxpayer Reference (UTR) number is a 10-digit reference number which identifies your business.
What is a UTR number?
UTR stands for Unique Taxpayer Reference and, like the name suggests, this is a unique code issued by HMRC when someone sets up a business. You might also hear it called a ‘tax reference’. Depending on what sort of business structure you run, you might have more than one UTR.
- A sole trader will have one UTR, even if they run multiple sole trader businesses
- When you set up a limited company you’ll receive a UTR for the business when you register it. If you need to report any personal income that you take from the company then you’ll also need a separate UTR for you as an individual.
- In a partnership you’ll have a UTR for the partnership itself as an entity, and then a separate one so that you can report your share of the income that the partnership makes.
How do I get a UTR number?
You’ll normally be sent a UTR number when you tell HMRC or Companies House about a new business, such as registering for Self Assessment as a sole trader, incorporating a new company, or as a result of registering another entity (such as a partnership) for Self Assessment.
Some people need to apply for more than one UTR number. For example, if you set up a company and you plan to take dividends from the business:
- You’ll need a UTR for the limited company so you can send a Company Tax Return to report its income, and pay Corporation Tax on any profits. You’ll receive the company UTR when you register with Companies House, along with your Company Registration Number.
- You’ll also need a separate UTR so you can submit Self Assessment tax returns to report the dividend income you receive from the company. Don’t mix them up!
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