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What is a UTR number?

Last reviewed: May 2026

Quick Answer:

A Unique Taxpayer Reference (UTR) number is a 10-digit code that identifies either you or your business to HMRC. You'll use a UTR number whenever you're dealing with your tax or talking to the taxman. From claiming a tax refund to filing a Self Assessment tax return, your UTR will make sure HMRC always knows who it's talking to.

If you have a UTR number and work in trades under CIS, you need to complete a tax return and may be owed a tax rebate. RIFT can help.
If you have a UTR number and are self-employed, we can help with your tax return.
If you don't already have a UTR number, and want to know how to get a UTR number, keep reading.

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What is a UTR number?

A UTR number is a 10-digit tax reference used by HMRC to identify you or your business for Self Assessment and some other tax matters. You usually get one when you register for Self Assessment, and limited companies also get a company UTR for Corporation Tax.

You’ll need your UTR when you file a Self Assessment tax return, contact HMRC about Self Assessment, or pay a Self Assessment bill. If you already have one, you can usually find it in your personal tax account, the HMRC app, or on HMRC letters such as your SA250 welcome letter, notice to file, statement of account or payment reminders.

What does UTR mean?

UTR stands for Unique Taxpayer Reference. It is a 10-digit number issued by HMRC to identify a taxpayer or business for tax purposes. HMRC says you get a UTR when you register for Self Assessment or when you set up a limited company.

UTR Number Example

A UTR often appears with a space in the middle, such as 12345 67890, but it is still the same 10-digit reference.

What is a UTR number used for?

A UTR is mainly used for Self Assessment and related HMRC contact. You may need it to:

file a Self Assessment tax return
speak to HMRC about your Self Assessment record
pay your Self Assessment bill
register for CIS online as a subcontractor
deal with Corporation Tax if you run a limited company

UTR NumberHow do you get a UTR number?

Getting your UTR number is simple once you know where to start. You’ll need to register for Self Assessment with HMRC, either online, by phone or by post. Once HMRC has your details, they’ll create your account and post your UTR to you. This can take around 15 days after registering, but it can take longer if you live overseas. If you're registering as limited company, HMRC will issue a company UTR for Corporation Tax after the company is set up.

This is how it works:

Apply online

The easiest way to apply is through your HMRC online account. You’ll fill in details like your name, address, date of birth and National Insurance number, plus information about your work.

Apply by phone or post

You can also call HMRC on 0300 200 3310 or fill in a SA1 form to post. They’ll verify your identity before sending your UTR.

Information you’ll need

Have these ready before you start:

Full name and address
Date of birth
National Insurance number
Business name and start date

Getting your UTR right first time saves time and stress. RIFT can help you set it all up quickly and correctly so you don’t have to deal with HMRC alone.

Where can you find your UTR number?

You can usually find your UTR in one of these places:

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've lost it, HMRC's guidance says you can use your personal tax account to find it, if you already have one.

Tax Returns

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. Once you've got a UTR identifying either yourself or your business for tax purposes, the number stays the same.
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.

HMRC Tax Codes Explained

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.

Is a UTR number the same as a VAT number?

No. A UTR and a VAT registration number are different references used for different taxes.

A UTR identifies you or your business for Self Assessment or Corporation Tax. A VAT registration number identifies a business that is registered for VAT. HMRC says a VAT registration number is 9 digits and is issued after VAT registration.

Someone can have a UTR and no VAT registration number. Someone can also have both, depending on how their business is set up and what taxes apply.

UTR number vs National Insurance number

These are often confused, but they do different jobs.

Your National Insurance number is used to track National Insurance contributions and is also used across tax, benefits and pension records. HMRC says you can find it on a payslip, P60, in your personal tax account or in the HMRC app.

Your UTR is separate and is mainly used for Self Assessment or, for companies, Corporation Tax.

National Insurance Calculator

The difference between a UTR, VAT, National Insurance and Company Number

Reference	What it's for	Who issues it	Typical format	Key point
UTR number	Identifying you or your business for Self-Assessment or Corporation Tax	HMRC	10 digitals	Used for tax returns & HMRC tax correspondence
VAT registration number	Identifying a VAT-registered business	HMRC	9 digitals	Used for VAT returns & invoices
National insurance number	Tracking national insurance contributions & personal tax records	HMRC/ DWP	Letters & numbers, e.g. AB123456C	Most people have one, even if they don't have a UTR
Company number	Identifying a limited company on the Companies House register	Companies House	8 characters	Used for company law & Companies House records, not as a tax reference

UTR numbers for different types of taxpayers

Your UTR number works the same way for everyone, but how you get it depends on what kind of taxpayer you are:

CIS workers

If you’re in construction or work under the Construction Industry Scheme (CIS), you’ll need a UTR to get paid and to claim back overpaid tax. Otherwise if you're not registered for CIS deductions are usually taken at 30% instead of 20%. RIFT specialises in CIS tax refunds and can help you register fast.

Sole traders

When you start working for yourself, you must register for Self Assessment with HMRC. You’ll then be issued your UTR by post, be sure to keep it safe for every return.

Partnerships

Each partner and the partnership itself gets a separate UTR. You’ll use both when filing your joint and individual returns. HMRC has a special form for registering partnerships for Self-Assessment, called SA400.

Limited companies

Companies get their own UTR when they register with HMRC for Corporation Tax, separate from your company registration number.

Whatever your setup, RIFT can help you get the right UTR and file your returns properly. This will save time, stress and costly mistakes.

Do I need a UTR to work?

No. It depends on how you work and how your income is taxed.

If all your income is taxed through PAYE, you may never need a UTR. HMRC’s Self Assessment guidance says people may need to send a tax return if they have untaxed income such as rental income, tips and commission, savings, investments, dividends or foreign income, or if HMRC asks them to file.

Do you need a UTR to claim a tax refund?

Sometimes. but not always.

If your tax refund is being handled through Self Assessment, you’ll need a UTR. But HMRC also allows some employment expense claims to be made without Self Assessment if the total claim for the tax year is £2,500 or less. If it is more than £2,500, HMRC says you need to complete a Self Assessment tax return.

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Getting PaidCan I get paid without a UTR number?

If you’re self-employed and working without a UTR number, you’re lining yourself up for a lot of potential trouble from HMRC. For one thing, it means you're not properly registered for the Self Assessment tax return system.

If all your earnings are taxed through the PAYE system and you're not claiming a tax refund, it's not usually necessary to have a UTR number in order to be paid. However, there are quite a few reasons why you might need to be registered for Self Assessment, even if you're not self-employed. Remember that income from things like savings interest, share dividends and rental payments can still count as untaxed income that needs to be reported to HMRC in a tax return, if they go over certain tax-free thresholds:

Interest: £1,000 for basic rate taxpayers, £500 for those on the higher rate.
Dividends: £500
Rental income: £10,000 before allowable expenses or £2,500 after allowable expenses.

If it turns out you need a UTR number and don't have one, you could quickly find yourself in hot water with HMRC. Talk to RIFT if you're not sure whether you need a UTR number. If you do, we'll make sure you get one.

If you work under CIS, most contractors won’t pay you until you provide your UTR, or they’ll deduct a higher rate of tax of 30% instead of 20%. That’s why it’s important to get registered early.

UTR numberI've been asked for my UTR number but I'm not self-employed!

It's possible to need a UTR even when you're not self-employed. People claiming PAYE tax refunds, for instance, often need to file a Self Assessment tax return to get their money.

If your employer's asking for your UTR and you don't have one to show them, things can get dicey. HMRC's cracking down hard on ‘false self-employment’, where people are classed as self-employed when they're actually supposed to be taxed through PAYE. If there's any confusion about your employment status, you need to get it sorted immediately before things get nasty. Get in touch with RIFT to find out exactly where you stand. If you need to register for Self Assessment, we'll get it done with no stress or hassle.

How RIFT Refunds can help?

Getting your UTR number is the first step toward staying on top of your tax and making sure you never miss out on money you’re owed. Whether you’re self-employed, in construction or running a small business, RIFT makes the whole process simple.

We’ve helped thousands of people across the UK register for their UTR numbers, file their Self Assessment returns and claim back overpaid tax. Our team deals with HMRC every day, so you don’t have to.

When you work with RIFT, you get friendly experts who know the system inside out and who’ll keep things quick, clear and completely stress-free.

Get your UTR number sorted today and let RIFT make tax simple when you get in touch.

RIFT Tax Return ServiceYour local tax return accountants

The RIFT tax return service goes a lot further than other less specialised accountants. As the UK's leading tax experts and the only tax company ever to earn the ServiceMark award from the Institute of Customer Service, we stand behind our work and our customers. We don't believe in the 'one size fits all' approach of traditional accountants. Everything we do is built around your specific needs. We also go beyond filing your Self Assessment tax returns. If it looks like you're due a tax rebate we'll claim that for you too.

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FAQs about UTR numbers

Is a UTR number 10 digits?

Yes. HMRC says a UTR is a 10-digit number.
Is a UTR number permanent?

In most cases, yes. Your personal UTR generally stays the same once issued. A company UTR is separate from a personal UTR.
Can I find my UTR online?

Yes, if you already have one. HMRC says you can find your UTR in your personal tax account, and the HMRC app can also show it.
How long does it take to get a UTR?

HMRC says you will usually get your UTR by post around 15 days after you register, though it can take longer overseas.
Is a VAT number the same as a company number?

No. A VAT registration number is issued by HMRC for VAT. A company number is issued by Companies House when a company is incorporated.
Do I have to pay for a UTR number?

No. Applying for your UTR number and getting it sent out won’t cost you anything.
Can students or part-time workers need a UTR?

If you earn extra income from freelance work, online sales or side jobs, you might need to file a Self Assessment. That means you’ll need a UTR. RIFT can check if you need one and get you registered fast.
How do I update my details if they change?

You can update your address, business details or contact info directly through your HMRC online account. Keeping your information up to date helps prevent delays or lost letters. RIFT can guide you through any HMRC changes if you’re unsure.

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What is a UTR number?​

What is a UTR number?

What does UTR mean?

UTR Number Example

What is a UTR number used for?

UTR NumberHow do you get a UTR number?

Apply online

Apply by phone or post

Information you’ll need

Where can you find your UTR number?

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

UTR NumberWhat's a company UTR number?

Is a UTR number the same as a VAT number?

UTR number vs National Insurance number

The difference between a UTR, VAT, National Insurance and Company Number

UTR numbers for different types of taxpayers

CIS workers

Sole traders

Partnerships

Limited companies

Do I need a UTR to work?

Do you need a UTR to claim a tax refund?

Getting PaidCan I get paid without a UTR number?

UTR numberI've been asked for my UTR number but I'm not self-employed!

How RIFT Refunds can help?

RIFT Tax Return ServiceYour local tax return accountants

FAQs about UTR numbers

Want more?Join Our Mailing List

What is a UTR number?