How do I get my UTR number if I have lost it

Posted by Vidit Agarwal on March 9th, 2018

Unique Taxpayer Reference (UTR) number is a 10 digit number and is exclusive to an individual or an organisation. UTR number is used to identify an individual with HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC). Once an individual registers as a limited company or lists for self-assessment, the UTR number is poster by HMRC. For the ease of an individual who is new to business or has just registered for self-assessment, UTR number can be found on the following documents issued by HMRC:

• Prior year tax return
• HMRC document SA250 – ‘Welcome letter for self-assessment’
• Notice to file tax return
• Self-assessment tax return
• Statement of accounts
• Payment reminders

A UTR number sometimes might end with a letter ‘K’ and is called as ‘tax reference’.

Essential information to register for a UTR number

In order to register as a freelance or independent worker whilst getting a UTR number, an individual will be required to have the following material handy:

• Individual’s full name and address
• Business address and contact number
• Date of birth
• Telephone number and e-mail address for correspondence
• National Insurance (NI) number
• Date of inception of business as self-employed
• Nature of business

Within 21 working days from the date of a company's incorporation, the business is deemed to receive the UTR number from HMRC by post

Importance of a UTR number

There are a number of occasions when an individual might need a UTR number including:

• Completing a self-assessment tax return
• Construction Industry Scheme (CIS) registration
• Providing details to an accountant who is managing the financial affairs

f HMRC gets to know that an individual is operating as self-employed without informing the HMRC, he / she could be subject to heavy fines and possible criminal trial. If the self- assessment tax return is submitted without a legal UTR, an individual can be fined for not submitting a correct form with the required information by the deadline. Companies registered as partnerships need a UTR for the firm and a UTR for respective partners in order to file online.

Find a lost NI number

If an individual does not know their UTR number or have misplaced it, they should contact HMRC on the below number:

• Within the UK: 0300-200-3410
• Outside the UK: +44-151-268-0571

An individual will have to keep all the tax information handy including name, address, date of birth, NI number etc. Once verified, HMRC will resend the UTR number to the registered office (it is usually not shared over the phone). On the other hand, if an individual knows their login details they can find the UTR number via HMRC's online services.