Is My Company Number the Same as My Tax Number?

Ryan Patrick

• 7 min read
Is My Company Number the Same as My Tax Number?

A company number is different from a tax number. Understanding each number and its purpose will help you avoid confusing one for the other.

The company number is a Company Registration Number (CRN).

After incorporation, Companies House issues a CRN, which is unique to each company. The CRN is displayed on the certificate of incorporation.

A CRN is used when submitting information to Companies House, and it's also needed by third parties like banks and suppliers.

The tax number, also known as a Unique Taxpayer Reference (UTR) or Corporation Tax UTR, is issued by His Majesty's Royal Customs (HMRC) after company formation.

A company's UTR is included in the first letter an HMRC sends to a company at the registered office address.

HMRC uses UTR to identify a business when dealing with tax matters.

Both numbers are significant because you'll use them often as long as your company exists. For this reason, don't leave to avoid making mistakes when paying taxes or during correspondence with Companies House.

The Company Registration Number (CRN)

A company registration number is a unique eight-digit code issued by Companies House.

The agency issues CRN to a company after successful incorporation into a new limited company in the UK. Here are more details about your company number.

  • Made up of eight characters, it begins with two letters followed by six numbers, depending on where the company is registered.
  • Eight numbers - 12345678 or;
  • Two letters followed by six numbers - AB123456
  • The number is unique and is solely used to identify and authenticate the legal existence of your company.
  • It's printed on your certificate of incorporation and any other official correspondence from Companies House.
  • Your CRN will be published on public record alongside your company details.

When to Use Your Company Number

Only incorporated limited or limited liability companies (LLPs) are assigned a CRN.

As for sole traders or freelancers registered as other business types, they aren't assigned CRNs. However, they have other registration numbers like a Unique Taxpayer Reference (UTR) or VAT (VRN). So, when do you need your company number?

  • A CRN is needed when filing, updating, or submitting your annual confirmation statement and company accounts.
  • During HMRC registration for business taxes (Corporation Tax, VAT, PAYE)
  • reporting changes to your company's details
  • Notifying Companies House of new share allotment
  • Providing share certificates
  • Anytime new directors or secretaries are appointed.
  • A CRN is needed when opening a business bank account.
  • Use it when applying for loans or other contractual agreements for the company.

All your business or official stationery must display your company number. They include letterheads, emails, websites or promotional materials. Your company name remains unchanged as long as your business exists. Moreover, this is the only business that will ever be issued a CRN similar to yours, even after company dissolution.

Your CRN should always be displayed along with the business name, VAT number, registered address, and the details of any trade unions you may belong to. Failure to display this information in all required areas can lead to fines as per the Companies Act 2006.

The Format of a Company Registration Number

CRNs are eight characters long in the UK, but the format depends on your company's business structure and the country of incorporation.

CRNs Format for Limited Companies

Companies registered in England and Wales have an eight-digit code for CRNs.

Those registered in Northern Ireland and Scotland have CRNs beginning with two letters followed by six numbers.

Limited companies in Scotland have CRNs beginning with 'SC', whereas Northern Ireland-registered limited companies have CRNs starting with 'NI'.

CRNs Format for LLPs

In the UK, all LLPs have a company registration number comprising two letters and six numbers. The letters vary depending on the country of registration.

LLPs registered in England and Wales have CRNs starting with 'OC', while CRNs for companies registered in Scotland start with 'SO'. The LLPs in Northern Ireland begin with 'NC'.

The Company Tax Number (UTR)

The company tax number is a "Unique Tax Reference" number.

HMRC issues a company's tax number (UTR) consisting of 10 digits. HMRC gives the code to residents after completing a tax self-assessment, such as a sole trader, a self-employed individual, or a limited company owner.

Workers must apply for a company tax number and a Construction Industry Scheme registration in the construction industry.

A company tax number is used to identify tax-related issues with companies. You'll require your company tax number during tax submissions to HMRC for several reasons.

  • A shift in corporation tax accounting period.
  • When contacting HMRC for company-related issues
  • Filing tax and VAT returns
  • Notifying HMRC about changes to your company structure or registered details
  • Inform HMRC of your dormant company
  • Remission of corporation tax and VAT
  • Paying employee wages
  • During corporation tax, VAT, and PAYE registration

Where to Find Company Registration Number and Unique Taxpayer Reference

You can find both numbers in multiple places, such as;

  • On the incorporation certificate
  • Official letters from Companies House
  • on companies public register available online on Companies House Web Service

Here's where you find your company UTR:

  • All on HMRC official mail
  • Your corporation Tax online account

How to Get a Company Registration Number

Company Registration Numbers are automatically generated when businesses incorporate. Hence, you don't have to follow a separate process to get a CRN.

To set up a limited company, you can go about it in three ways: register the company online via Companies House, via post, and use an agent or third-party software. Set up a limited liability partnership by sending an application through post or using an agent or third-party software.

Once you incorporate a limited company, you receive a certificate of incorporation that displays your company registration number. It also shows the date of incorporation, the company structure and the registration location: England, North Ireland, Wales, and Scotland.

During registration of a business, some business entities are required to provide additional licenses. They include companies in regulated industries like healthcare or finance. Hence, you should thoroughly research what's needed to register your kind of business and then comply. Ensure you keep your business records up to date throughout its existence.

What if the Company UTR or CRN is Missing?

Suppose you're unable to find your company's UTR;

Visit the GOV.UK or the Companies House website page, enter 'copy of Corporation Tax UTR' in the dialogue box. A short online request form will appear for you to fill out. Ensure you have your CRN ready and the registered company name.

When looking for the CRN, type your company's full name in the search bar, then click the search icon. Your company's listing will display the registration number below. To view more details on company records, tap on the company name.

The records stored by Companies House are accessible to anyone looking for information on UK-registered businesses.

You'll receive a copy of your company's UTR via post to the registered office address. You can't request a Unique Taxpayer Reference once your limited company is dissolved.

Other Places to Find Company CRN and UTR

If you used a formation company to register, the agency will have a record of your company's vital documentation. Reach out to the formation service provider, and they'll provide what you're seeking. Meanwhile, there are more places to find your CRN:

  • Name change certificate - The new certificate will have your company number after changing your company name. It remains the same.
  • The certificate bears the previous and current business names, company numbers, and the date the change was made. But, the new certificate doesn't replace the earlier certificate of registration. Hence, you must keep both certificates in your business records.
  • From companies' house follow service - Sign up with a valid business email to receive alerts for your company filings. With these emails, your company information will be easy to find.
  • HMRC correspondence - The official documents from HMRC will have your CRN.
  • Company's website - Like most businesses, your company details will be displayed on the official website.
  • Company statutory - Check business stationery like letterheads, invoices, faxes, or order forms for the company's information.
  • API access via Companies House - The Companies House Application Program Interface is accessible to the public and displays company data.

Form Your Company With Incorpuk Today

At Incorpuk, we will help you file accurate information when you register your company through us. We will help you with incorporation articles, a registered office address, and all you may need to register your company in the UK. Contact our team if you seek any information; we will gladly assist.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do UK companies have a tax number?

A company tax number in the UK is a company's Unique Taxpayer Reference (UTR) or Corporation Tax UTR. The number is a 10-digit code issued by HMRC after company formation, and it's included in the first letter HMRC sends to your company to the registered address.

How can I differentiate the company number and the VAT number?

Your VAT and company numbers are similar, but the format differs. The VAT number begins with 'BTW BE', then the company number follows, whereas a CRN is an eight-digit code without the prefix.

Do all UK companies need a VAT number?

All UK companies with a turnover of £85,000 can voluntarily register for Value Added Tax (VAT). You pay HMRC any VAT you owe since the registration date. However, if you sell products exempted from VAT, you don't have to register for VAT.

Conclusion

A Company Registration Number (CRN) proves your business operates legally. A CRN is an eight-digit code that distinguishes a business from other companies. You get a CRN after incorporating a company at Companies House or via a company formation agency. The ten HMRC issues the Unique Taxpayer Reference (UTR) number which is a unique company identifier.

A UTR number is used for tax-related purposes. If you don't apply for a UTR number, Companies House notifies HMRC; they generate the 10-digit code and send it to your registered office after company formation. Although most people may confuse a CRN and UTR number, they're issued by different bodies and serve other purposes. Do you have any questions about your company number or tax number? Kindly contact one of our experts at Incorpuk for help.