- Your UTR number is a unique 10-digit reference issued by HMRC when you register for Self Assessment or set up a limited company.
- You can find your UTR number in your Personal Tax Account, HMRC app, Government Gateway, or official HMRC correspondence.
- If you lose your UTR number, HMRC can only resend it by post after verifying your identity.
How to find UTR number queries usually come up when you need to file a Self Assessment tax return, speak to HMRC, or manage company tax obligations. Your Unique Taxpayer Reference is a 10-digit number issued by HMRC when you register for Self Assessment or set up a limited company, and it never changes.
In this 2026 guide, you will learn exactly where to find your UTR number, how to recover it if you have lost it, and what to do if you have both a personal and company UTR. Whether you are self-employed, a director, or managing multiple tax responsibilities, this page gives you the fastest route to the right answer.
If you need to find help from professional accounting services, start with expert accounting services that handle HMRC registrations, lost references, and ongoing compliance for you.
What is a UTR number and why does it matter?
A UTR number is a unique 10 digit reference issued by HMRC to identify you or your business for tax purposes. It links your tax returns, payments, and correspondence to the correct HMRC record, making sure nothing gets lost or misapplied.
You will need your UTR number whenever you file a self assessment tax return, deal with Corporation Tax, or contact HMRC about your tax affairs. It is sometimes referred to as a tax reference number, which can sound confusing but means the same thing.
Once HMRC issues a UTR, it stays with you for life.
Who needs a UTR number?
Not everyone has a UTR. HMRC only issues one when you register for tax outside standard PAYE.
You will usually need a UTR if you are:
- Self employed or freelancing
- Earning rental income
- A company director
- Running a limited company or partnership
If you are both employed and self employed, the rules explained in can you be employed and self-employed help clarify when extra registration is required.
If you only earn income through PAYE and have never registered for Self Assessment or run a company, you will not have a UTR number yet, and you do not need to look for one until HMRC asks you to register.
How do you get a UTR number?
You do not apply for a UTR on its own. HMRC issues it automatically after you complete the right registration.
Registering for Self Assessment
If you earn income that is not taxed through PAYE, you must register as self-employed or register for Self Assessment.
After registering, HMRC sends your UTR by post. This usually takes 10 to 15 days in the UK and longer if you live overseas. You must register by 5 October following the end of the tax year you started trading, which ties in with the dates explained in UK tax year dates.
If you want to take action yourself, HMRC sets out the process clearly on the official find your UTR number page on GOV.UK.
How do limited companies receive a UTR number?
When you complete company registration, HMRC automatically creates a Corporation Tax record for your business.
Your company UTR is then posted to your registered office address. You will need it to register for Corporation Tax, submit company tax returns, and pay Corporation Tax.
If the letter never arrives or has been lost, you can request a copy directly through HMRC’s online Corporation Tax services.
Where can you find your UTR number?
If you already have a UTR, it is usually easy to track down.
HMRC letters and notices
Your UTR appears on official HMRC correspondence such as notices to file a return, Self Assessment reminders, and payment statements. It is normally shown near the top of the page and may be labelled as a tax reference.
Personal Tax Account and HMRC app
You can view your personal UTR at any time by logging into your Personal Tax Account or the HMRC app. It appears in the Self Assessment section and is one of the quickest ways to find it.
Government Gateway and online services
If you use HMRC online services, your UTR is visible within your Government Gateway account. Company directors can also see the company UTR through the Corporation Tax online service once registration is complete.
What should you do if you have lost your UTR number?
If you cannot find your UTR online or in any paperwork, you will need to contact HMRC.
HMRC will verify your identity and then send your UTR by post to your registered address. For security reasons, they will not give it to you by phone or email. The letter usually arrives within 10 to 15 days.
Losing your UTR can cause delays with filings and payments, which can lead to issues like those outlined in HMRC and Companies House fines, so it is worth recovering it early.
How can you keep your UTR number secure?
Your UTR is part of your tax identity, so it deserves the same care as other sensitive information.
Only share it with HMRC, your accountant, or authorised agents. Avoid sending it in unsecured emails or storing it in easily accessible documents. If you appoint someone to deal with HMRC on your behalf, they may need authority through a 64 8 form before they can act for you.
Can you have more than one UTR number?
Yes, and this is very common.
Personal and company UTRs
If you are self employed and also a company director, you will usually have:
- One personal UTR for Self Assessment
- One company UTR for Corporation Tax
Using the correct one for each filing helps avoid confusion and delays.
Partnership UTRs
In a partnership, each partner has their own personal UTR, and the partnership itself has a separate UTR used for partnership tax returns.
Clear records make managing multiple references far simpler.
How Sleek helps you manage your UTR and tax obligations
Finding and using your UTR correctly is just one piece of staying compliant with HMRC. Missed registrations, lost references, or incorrect filings can quickly snowball into stress and penalties.
With accounting services from Sleek, your tax setup is handled properly from day one. We register you with HMRC, keep your personal and company UTRs organised, and make sure they are used correctly across Self Assessment and Corporation Tax.
We also manage HMRC correspondence, track deadlines, and resolve issues before they escalate. That means no chasing lost letters, no uncertainty about which UTR to use, and no last minute panic around filing dates.
Sleek gives you friendly, practical support and the confidence that your tax affairs are structured correctly and kept fully compliant as your business grows.
Fill in the contact form and we will get back to you soonest.
Disclaimer: The preceding information is not legal advice. This content is aimed to provide general guidance. For more formal or legal advice, contact Sleek directly.
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FAQs on how to find a UTR number
What is a UTR number and why do I need one?
A UTR number is a unique 10 digit reference issued by HMRC to track your tax affairs. You need it to file a self assessment tax return, pay Corporation Tax, or speak to HMRC about your tax record. Without a UTR, HMRC cannot identify your account, which can delay filings and payments.
How long does it take to get a UTR number?
In most cases, HMRC sends your UTR number by post within 10 to 15 days after you register for Self Assessment or complete company registration. If you live overseas, it can take longer. There is no digital delivery option, as HMRC only sends UTRs by post for security reasons.
How is a UTR number different from a VAT number?
A UTR number identifies you or your business for income tax or Corporation Tax. A VAT number is only issued if you register for VAT and is used solely for VAT reporting. Many businesses have both, but they serve different purposes and cannot be used interchangeably.
How do you recover a lost UTR number?
If you lose your UTR, first check your Personal Tax Account, HMRC app, or previous HMRC letters. If you still cannot find it, you must contact HMRC directly. After confirming your identity, HMRC will resend your UTR by post to your registered address, usually within 10 to 15 days.
Can an accountant apply for my UTR number?
Yes. An accountant can register you for Self Assessment or Corporation Tax and handle the process on your behalf. They may also deal with HMRC once authorised, often using a 64 8 form. This is useful if you want to avoid mistakes or delays during registration.
Can I call HMRC to get my UTR number?
You can call HMRC for help, but they will not give your UTR number over the phone. For security reasons, HMRC only sends UTR numbers by post after verifying your identity. Calling can still be useful if you need to request a replacement or confirm the correct address on your account.
Is there a way to fast-track my UTR number application?
No. There is no official fast-track service for UTR numbers. HMRC only issues them after registration and sends them by post. The best way to avoid delays is to register early, make sure your details are correct, and keep your address up to date with HMRC.
