Apply for UTR Number Online [UK Tax Identification]

Apply for UTR number online using the following information.

This article will apply to both individuals looking for a new Unique Taxpayer Reference number and those trying to locate an existing number.

We will also answer common questions we receive from our members about UTR numbers for individuals and UK companies.

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Feel free to use the table of contents to jump ahead to the sections most relevant to you.

Table of Contents

  1. Apply for UTR Number Online
  2. Why Do I Need a UTR Number?
  3. Where Can I Find My UTR Number?
  4. How a Limited Company Can Apply for a UTR Number Online
  5. Frequently Asked Questions
  6. Ready to Explore Your Options?

Apply for UTR Number Online

Apply for a UTR number online through the HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) website by registering for Self-Assessment. If you already have a UTR number and need to locate it, you can either contact the Self-Assessment hotline or you can review past correspondence from the HMRC in order to locate it.

Why Do I Need a UTR Number?

Why you need a UTR number ultimately depends on your tax status in the United Kingdom. For example, if you are liable to report taxes in the UK, you will need a UTR number in order to complete Self-Assessment Tax Returns. On the other hand, if you are not liable to report taxes, you will not need a UTR number.

Where Can I Find My UTR Number?

You can find your UTR number in past correspondence from HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC), including letters, reminders, and notices. Alternatively, your UTR will also be written on previous tax returns. If you do not have access to any of these documents, you can also find your UTR online in your Personal Tax Account or via the HMRC mobile application.

If you are unable to access any of these options, you can contact the Self Assessment hotline of the HMRC and ask that they send you a UTR confirmation letter. It will take approximately ten days for the letter to arrive in your mailbox.

Self-Assessment Tax Return

For your reference, Self-Assessment Tax Return refers to the tax filings that individuals must complete for income tax purposes in the United Kingdom. To complete a Self-Assessment Tax Return an individual must have their UTR. With this in mind, it’s important to confirm your UTR in advance of filing deadlines to ensure you have all of the necessary information to complete your filings.

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How a Limited Company Can Apply for a Temporary UTR Number Online

A limited company does not need to apply for a UTR number. Instead, each limited company in the United Kingdom automatically receives a UTR number at the time it is registered. This is because UK limited companies are liable for tax reporting, which necessitates having a UTR.

If you do not know the UTR for your UK limited company, you can apply to receive your UTR number online through the HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) website. To do so, you will need your Company Registration Number (CRN) and the company name. You can find both of these details on Companies House, which is publicly accessible.

That said, HMRC will not provide you with the UTR for your limited company instantly. Instead, you will receive a letter to the registered address of the company. So, if you need your UTR immediately, you should review past correspondence from the HMRC or login to your company tax account to find the number there.

Frequently Asked Questions

Below are three of the most common questions that we receive from people looking into how to apply for a UTR number online. If you have further questions you would like answered, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us directly.

How Do I Get a UTR Number?

You can get a UTR number by registering on the HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) website as self-employed or for a UK Limited company. In both instances, you (and the company) would be liable for UK taxes and would therefore be issued a Unique Taxpayer Reference (UTR) number to meet your filing obligations. That said, if you already have a UTR and you are trying to locate it, you can review previous tax returns, the HMRC mobile application, or your personal tax account with the HMRC.

Do You Need a UTR Number to Submit Your Tax Return?

Yes, you need a UTR number to submit your tax return in the United Kingdom. This is because the UTR or Unique Taxpayer Reference number is the unique identifier that the HMRC uses to process tax returns for individuals and corporations with a tax liability in the United Kingdom. If you do not have your UTR, you can find it on your most recent tax filing or you can visit the HMRC to receive a UTR when registering online.

What Is the Quickest Way to Apply for a UTR Number?

The quickest way to apply for a UTR number is to register as a self-employed individual through the HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) website. After completing the registration process, HMRC will automatically issue a UTR number for tax-related filings. This is true both for individual registrants as well as those individuals registering tax-liable corporate entities like a UK Limited company.

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GlobalBanks Team
GlobalBanks Team

The GlobalBanks editorial team comprises a group of subject-matter experts from across the banking world, including former bankers, analysts, investors, and entrepreneurs. All have in-depth knowledge and experience in various aspects of international banking. In particular, they have expertise in banking for foreigners, non-residents, and both foreign and offshore companies.

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