What Is A UTR Number And How Does It Apply To You?

What Is A UTR Number

The Unique Taxpayer Reference Number or UTR is an exclusive 10 digit code that’s allocated to you or a company by Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs (HMRC). 

This code helps HMRC personally identify you with reference to any tax responsibilities or rebates. 

If You Have A UTR Number And:

  • Work in trades, you need to complete a UK tax return form and could even be owned a tax rebate, which you can claim with help from Tax Back UK. Claiming a tax rebate successfully must be done efficiently with the supply of accurate information to HMRC; a process which a professional tax consultant can help you with.
  • If you are self-employed and own a UTR Number, we can help you with your tax rebate.

How Do I Find My UTR Number? 

You can identify your Unique Taxpayer Reference number through several means. If you have been allocated the 10-digit code (UTR Number) by HMRC, it will appear on your former UK tax returns and other documents sent by HMRC. These include your; https://www.gov.uk/find-lost-utr-number

  • Self-assessment tax return
  • The ‘welcome to self-assessment’ letter sent by HMRC
  • Your payment reminders
  • Account statements
  • Notices on filing tax returns

Furthermore, if you have already registered for the HMRC online service, login and look for your UTR number there; it will be reflected as a 10 digit code. Talk to a consultant at Tax Back UK for help with this process.

How Do I Register For A UTR Number?

The UTR Number allocated to you is how HMRC identifies you for all tax purposes. When you set up a ‘Limited Company’ or register for ‘Self Assessment Tax Returns’ you automatically register for a UTR number with HMRC.

Receiving Your UTR Number After Submitting A Self Assessment Tax Return  

Once you are ready to submit a Self Assessment Tax Return, we will send you form SA1 from HMRC, https://www.tax.service.gov.uk/shortforms/form/SA1 once you sign, and we submit this on your behalf, you will automatically be registering for your UTR number. Keep in mind that the process can take up to 20 working days or longer; your self assessment application must be accurate and pass a number of HMRC security checks before the unique UTR number is posted to you. 

Hence, you need to make sure you register a few months before your due date for submitting your first UK tax return. Tax Back UK consultants can help you submit all forms before the January 31st tax filing deadline, saving you from incurring any heavy penalties and fines for late tax submissions.  

Related Post: How to Appeal an HMRC Self-assessment Penalty

If I Have Registered For HMRC Online Services How Do I Get My UTR Number

Once you register for the HMRC online service accurately, you will receive login details via email; once logged in look for your UTR number. It’s a 10 digit number which HMRC documents will call a ‘tax reference’. Once you identify your UTR number, get back to us immediately, after which we can submit your self assessment tax returns or CIS tax returns on time.

What Information Is Needed To Register For A UTR Number?

You must furnish the following information to register as ‘self employed’ and obtain your UTR number;

  • Name
  • Date of birth
  • Address
  • National insurance number
  • Telephone number
  • Email
  • Date of commencing self employment
  • Nature of your business
  • Business telephone number
  • Business address

Do I Have To Pay For My UTR Number?

No, the registration is free.

What If I Have Lost My UTR Number?

A UTR number is unique and can even be used in cases of ‘identity theft’, hence, you must make sure its kept secure. If you do lose your UTR number, you must contact HMRC direct. We can of course advice you on the procedure and make sure information supplied is accurate for a speedy recovery of your UTR number. https://www.gov.uk/find-lost-utr-number

Why Do I Need A UTR Number?

Your UTR is how HMRC identifies you as a self employed tax payer. If you earn an income which does not fall under PAYE Tax, you must register as self employed and receive your UTR number. Being self employed and not registering with HMRC means you are liable to be fined and even be liable for criminal prosecution. Also, submitting your self assessment tax return minus a correct UTR Number will result in a rejection and delay of processing your tax returns, resulting in you incurring fines for late tax submissions.

The tax return service offered by Tax Back UK are specific and will help you benefit from advice of leading UK tax accountants working towards your unique needs, garnering maximum tax benefits. We will help you file UK tax returns accurately (minus delays and penalties) and help you claim any due UK tax rebates. Talk to us today!

Related Post: Six Reasons to File Your UK Self-assessment Tax Return Early

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