What is a UTR number?​

Can RIFT help me with UTR number queries?

Absolutely! RIFT can help with all your UTR questions and problems as part of our all-in-one service. That means we can:

• Tell you whether you or your business need a UTR number, and help you apply for one if you do.
• Help you track down your UTR if you’ve lost it.
• Help you use your UTR number to claim tax refunds, deal with HMRC and more.

UTR NumberHow do I 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 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.

HMRC will post your 10-digit UTR number to you within about 10 working days, or up to three weeks if you’re abroad. Keep it safe because you’ll need it every time you submit your tax return or claim a refund.

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.

Do I have to pay for a UTR number?

Applying for your UTR number and getting it sent out won’t cost you anything.

Do I need a UTR number if I’m self-employed or a sole trader?

If you’re self-employed, run a small business or work as a sole trader, you need a UTR number to file your Self Assessment tax return. It tells HMRC who you are and links all your income and expenses to your account. Without it, you can’t submit your return or claim a refund.

How long does it take to get a UTR number?

Once you’ve registered with HMRC, your UTR usually arrives by post within 10 working days or about three weeks if you’re outside the UK. You can apply any time, but don’t leave it until the last minute before the tax return deadline.

Is a UTR number the same as a tax code or National Insurance number?

Your UTR number is completely separate from your tax code and National Insurance number. A tax code tells your employer how much tax to take from your wages, while a UTR identifies you for Self Assessment.

Will I always have the same UTR number?

Once you’ve got a UTR number, it won’t change. In fact, just like your National Insurance number, once you’ve got one it’s yours for life.

Can I get paid without a UTR number?

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.

What documents do I need to apply for a UTR?

You’ll need your National Insurance number, date of birth, home address and details about your self-employment or business.

Can I apply for a UTR from outside the UK?

You can register with HMRC even if you’re abroad. It just takes a little longer for your paperwork to arrive.

Can I claim a tax refund without a UTR?

HMRC needs your UTR to process any Self Assessment tax refund. If you’re not sure where to start, RIFT can help you get your UTR and claim your refund together.

How can RIFT help me get my UTR faster?

We’ll handle the paperwork, make sure your details are right first time and follow up with HMRC on your behalf. RIFT makes getting your UTR simple, fast and stress-free.

UTR NumberDoes being asked for a UTR number mean that I'm owed a tax rebate?

It's pretty likely you should be claiming a yearly tax rebate from HMRC - and if you need a UTR but don't have one, you won't be able to claim it. In construction, those CIS deductions your contractor takes out of your pay can leave you forking over too much tax. This can happen because they don't take your tax-free Personal Allowance into account. 

UTR number FAQs

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.

What happens if I lose my UTR?

Check your HMRC letters, Self Assessment forms or your online HMRC account. If you still can’t find it, call HMRC on 0300 200 3310 to confirm it securely. RIFT can help you recover your UTR safely.

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.

Can I have more than one UTR?

You should only ever have one UTR number linked to your personal tax record. Even if you change jobs, move house or start a business, your UTR stays the same.

Is my UTR permanent?

Once HMRC issues your UTR, it’s yours for life. You’ll use the same 10-digit code every time you deal with HMRC for tax returns or refunds.

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.

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. 

UTR NumberWill I always have the same UTR number?

Once you’ve got a UTR number, it won’t change. In fact, just like your National Insurance number, once you’ve got one it’s yours for life.

Keep in mind that if you have a company UTR for your business, that’s a separate number from your personal UTR. You’ll find your company UTR on your company’s tax returns and other documents your business gets from HMRC.

Working in ConstructionI'm in construction and my employer wants to know my UTR number. Help!

Without a UTR number, you aren't properly signed up as self-employed. In construction, this can be a serious problem. Without a UTR, you can't use Self Assessment or sign up for the Construction Industry Scheme (CIS). Designed to crack down on dodgy ‘cash-in-hand’ payments in construction, the CIS system basically hands 20% of self-employed construction workers' pay over to HMRC as an advance payment against the tax they'll owe.

The problem is, CIS taxes your pay from the very first penny, so it can lead to people paying way too much tax and being owed a refund. Your UTR number is the key to getting signed up properly to pay your tax—and to claiming back what you're owed.

By the way, don't be fooled into thinking it’s a good idea to ignore the CIS altogether. Not registering when you’re supposed to will cost you a much larger chunk of your pay than doing it right. Talk to RIFT if you're being asked for a UTR number and don't have one, or don't understand why you need it.

Do I need a UTR number as a Sole Trader?

A UTR number is essential when you work as a Sole Trader and pay your tax through the Self Assessment system. Getting a UTR number is a core part of setting up for Self Assessment, and without one you can expect major headaches from HMRC.

Here’s what you need to do to get your UTR number if you’re a Sole Trader or self-employed:

• Register for HMRC Online Services and sign up to the Self Assessment system. Once that’s done, you’ll get your UTR number by post.
• If you want to get your UTR number by phone, call HMRC on 0300 200 3310. They’ll still need to post your number out to you, though.
• If you want apply for your UTR number by post, you can write to HMRC directly. Expect this to take longer than the other methods, since there’ll probably be some extra hoops to jump through.
• However you apply for your UTR number as a Sole Trader, you’ll still need to provide the same basic information. That includes your personal and contact details, along with the kind of work you do.

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.

P45Will my UTR number appear on my P45?

UTR numbers aren't normally needed for people who work for an employer and pay all their tax through the PAYE system (unless they’re getting tax refunds for their work expenses). When you stop working for an employer, you get a P45 that lists, among other things, your National Insurance number, your employer's PAYE reference number and your tax code. These are all different from your UTR, and used for different things.