A Unique Taxpayer Reference (UTR) is a 10-digit number issued by HMRC to identify individuals and businesses for tax purposes. It’s like your tax fingerprint—used every time you file a Self Assessment, make tax payments, or communicate with HMRC.

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You’ll need a UTR if you:

• Are self-employed or a sole trader

• Receive rental income

• Run a limited company

• Are part of a partnership

• Have income not taxed at source (e.g. freelance work, dividends, foreign income)

 

How to Get a UTR Number

You’ll receive a UTR automatically when you register for Self Assessment or Corporation Tax. Here’s how:

For Individuals (Self-Employed or Sole Traders)

1. Register for Self Assessment via HMRC’s website or by using our UTR Registration Form below

2. Provide your personal details, National Insurance number, and business info

3. HMRC will send your UTR by post within 10–15 working days

For Limited Companies

• HMRC issues a UTR automatically after registration with Companies House

• It arrives in a CT41G letter at your registered business address

For Partnerships

• The partnership gets a UTR, and each partner receives their own individual UTR

 

What You Do With a UTR

Your UTR is essential for:

• Filing Self Assessment tax returns

• Claiming CIS tax deductions (contractors only)

• Making tax payments and referencing your account

• Communicating with HMRC about your tax affairs

• Registering for Making Tax Digital (MTD) services

📌 Keep it safe—you’ll need it every time you deal with HMRC.

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At Accounted4TAx Ltd, we support clients at every stage of their tax journey:

• Registering for Self Assessment and obtaining your UTR

• Setting up MTD-compliant accounting software

• Filing accurate tax returns and defending expense claims

• Managing CIS deductions and preparing supporting statements

• Responding to HMRC enquiries with clarity and confidence

 

“We don’t just help you get your UTR—we make sure you know how to use it.”

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