If you’ve just moved to the UK, you’ll have a lot of new acronyms and processes to learn, especially when it comes to financial obligations. Filing tax returns in a new country can be particularly challenging. If terms like HMRC, UTR number, and other UK tax references have you scratching your head, you’re not alone.
At Remitly, we’re here to support you, especially with your financial goals and obligations. In this article, we’ll focus on the United Kingdom’s UTR number, which is necessary to file a tax return or register for Self Assessment. We’ll help you figure out whether you need one and how to get it, so you can stay compliant with UK tax requirements.
What is a UTR number?
UTR is an acronym that stands for “Unique Taxpayer Reference.” This is a 10-digit number issued by His Majesty’s Revenue and Customs (HMRC), the government department responsible for collecting taxes in the UK.
The UTR number you’re assigned is a permanent, unique identifier that you’ll use throughout your relationship with HMRC. Your UTR number will stay the same even if you move house, relocate, switch jobs, or make other life changes.
For clarity, a UTR number will often be displayed with a space in the middle. For example, you might see a UTR number written as follows: 12345 67890
Who needs a UTR number?
If you’re required to file a Self Assessment tax return in the UK, you’ll need a UTR number. In other words, if you’re making money in the UK that is not automatically taxed at the source, you need a UTR to track that income. This is usually the case for self-employed individuals. You can use the HMRC website to check if you’re required to file.
UTR numbers can be assigned to individuals or to businesses. Below are some common scenarios where a UTR would be necessary.
Individuals
- Self-employed workers and sole traders earning more than £1,000 in the last year
- A partner in a business partnership
- People with rental income from property
- People earning income from savings and investments
- Owners of limited companies who have to file a personal tax return
- Anyone submitting a Self Assessment tax return
Businesses
- Limited companies
- Business partnerships
- Non-profit organisations
Your business can have its own UTR, separate from your personal HMRC tax number. If you’re in a business partnership, you’ll need a UTR for the firm itself, as well as separate UTR numbers for the individual partners.
How to get your UTR number
Receiving a UTR number is a process connected to registering for a Self Assessment tax return. This registration process can be completed easily online. Follow the steps below to receive a UTR number.
Step-by-step registration process
- Gather your documents.
Have your National Insurance number, address, and contact details ready to go before navigating to the HMRC website and starting the application.
- Register for Self Assessment online.
Go to the HMRC website and complete the registration process.
- Receive your UTR number.
You will receive your UTR number by paper mail. This typically takes about 10 days for most UK residents, but can take up to 15 days.
- Activate your online account.
In addition to your UTR number, you’ll receive a separate communication by post from HMRC with an activation code. Use this unique code to activate your online Self Assessment account within 28 days.
Using your UTR number
After receiving all of your Self Assessment information, keep your UTR number safe and accessible. Be sure to monitor your email, paper mail, and online account for important information and notifications related to your taxes.
Now that you have your UTR number, there are various situations when you may need to use it aside from your annual Self Assessment tax return. You may be asked for this tax reference number when making payments to HMRC, contacting HMRC about tax matters, registering for online services, or setting up payment plans.
Common UTR number issues and solutions
Some common hiccups can occur when obtaining and using your UTR number. Below, we provide some practical suggestions to help you avoid these issues or solve them if you ever encounter them.
Lost UTR number
If you’ve forgotten or lost your UTR number, do not re-register with HMRC. Instead, go through the following steps to recover it.
- Check past documents.
Your UTR number will appear on any official communication from HMRC. Check previous tax returns, notices, and payment reminders.
- Log in to your online account.
Your UTR can be found by accessing your HMRC account, either through the app or via a web browser.
- Request your existing UTR number online.
If you’ve forgotten the UTR number of a company, you can request that the number be sent by post to the official business address.
- Contact HMRC.
If you contact Self Assessment customer service, they’ll send you a copy of your UTR number. Keep in mind that they will send this via paper mail for security reasons, which can take 10-15 days.
Haven’t received your UTR number
Since your UTR number will be sent by post, it can take some time. Remember that it is typical to wait 10-15 days. This time can be extended by busy periods, holidays, or even bad weather. If you’re afraid that your UTR number assignment has not arrived or has been lost in the mail, you can check your online account or the app to see if your UTR number has been assigned. Alternatively, you can reach out to HMRC customer service.
Using someone else’s UTR by mistake
Using an incorrect UTR number can prevent your Self Assessment tax return from being correctly processed by HMRC. Ultimately, this can result in penalties. Your immediate action to correct the UTR number will help ensure that your tax return or payment is correctly processed.
To correct the UTR number on your communication, contact HMRC and have the following information ready:
- Correct UTR number
- Your National Insurance number
- The bank details from which payments were made
- Dates and reference numbers for any payments made
You can contact HMRC online or by phone. Wait times can sometimes be long, but don’t give up—it’s essential to correct any incorrect information as quickly as possible.
Important deadlines and reminders
While you’re learning to file your taxes in the UK, you’ll want to write down some important HMRC deadlines for the past fiscal year, which ran from 6 April 2024 until 5 April 2025.
- 5 October 2025: deadline to register for Self Assessment tax return if you haven’t previously registered
- 31 October 2025: deadline to file a paper tax return
- 31 January 2026: deadline to file an online tax return and pay any Self Assessment tax
Meeting all your tax obligations and deadlines when living abroad can be a challenge, but a bit of research and organisation goes a long way. Check out Remitly’s blog for more financial tips for UK immigrants.
FAQs
How long does it take to get a UTR number?
After you register for your self-assessment, you should receive your UTR number by paper mail in about 10-15 days. It can sometimes take a little bit longer during busy periods or if you live overseas.
Can I file my tax return without a UTR number?
No. In the UK, you cannot register a Self Assessment tax return without a UTR number.
What is the difference between a UTR number and a National Insurance number?
A UTR number is used for tax return purposes, while a National Insurance (NI) number is used for tracking contributions to social security.
Can UTR numbers change?
Typically, no, UTR numbers do not change for individuals or companies once they are assigned. UTR numbers are permanent, lifelong tax identifications. A new UTR number might be assigned to a business in the case of bankruptcy or the establishment of a new company.