UTR Number
10-Digit Reference
Your Unique Taxpayer Reference never changes - it's yours for life!
Filing your Self Assessment tax return can be stressful enough without the added panic of not being able to find your UTR number. Don't worry - this guide will help you find it or get a new one.
Your UTR, or Unique Taxpayer Reference, is a 10-digit number that HMRC uses to identify you for tax purposes. You need it to file your Self Assessment tax return and manage your tax affairs.
Good news: Like your National Insurance number, your UTR number never changes. Once HMRC issues one to you, it's yours for life. If you had one in the past, even years ago, it's still the same one.
I just need to find my existing UTR number
I need to register for Self Assessment
If you've registered for Self Assessment in the past, your UTR number is hiding in plain sight. Here are the most common places to find it:
Have a dig through your files for any previous correspondence from HMRC. Your UTR number is printed on most documents they send regarding your personal tax, including:
If you have a copy of a tax return you've submitted in a previous year, your UTR will be clearly displayed on it, usually in the top right-hand corner.
If you used an accountant in the past, they would have used your UTR to file your returns. Check through any old emails, letters, or invoices they sent you. They often include the UTR as a reference, especially on correspondence about your tax bill.
This is often the quickest and easiest method. If you have a Government Gateway account (your HMRC personal tax account), you can find your UTR there.
If you've never set one up, now is a great time. By creating a personal tax account, you can easily view your tax information, including your UTR, once your identity is verified.
Create HMRC accountYou can call HMRC and ask them to post your UTR to you. For security reasons, they will not tell you your UTR over the phone. They will only send it by post to the address they have on file.
UK:
01582 487594Outside UK:
+44 1582 487594Similar to the phone line, you can chat with an HMRC advisor online. Again, they will not give you the UTR in the chat but will happily post it to your registered address.
Click here to chat with HMRCIf you've never filed a Self Assessment tax return, it's likely you don't have a UTR number yet. This means you need to register for Self Assessment with HMRC. Here's how you can do it:
The most straightforward way is to register online through the GOV.UK website. The system will guide you through a series of questions to determine your circumstances (e.g., self-employed, director, etc.) and get you registered.
Register for Self Assessment on GOV.UKIf you find the online forms confusing or you're unsure which options to choose, you can use HMRC's webchat service. An advisor can walk you through the process or help register you directly after asking a series of questions.
Click here to chat with HMRCYou can also register by calling the Self Assessment helpline. While some advisors may encourage you to use the online service, if you explain that you are struggling, they should be able to register you over the phone.
UK:
01582 487594Outside UK:
+44 1582 487594Important: Once you've registered, HMRC will post your UTR number to you. This can take a couple of weeks, so be sure to register well before the tax return deadline!
We know that dealing with tax admin can be a headache. If you're still stuck finding your UTR or daunted by the registration process, Taxwise Accountancy is here to help.
UTR is a 10-digit number that never changes
Check HMRC letters, SA250, tax returns
Log into Government Gateway account
HMRC can post it (2 weeks delivery time)
Never had one? Register for Self Assessment
Taxwise offers free registration service