What is a Tax Identification Number (TIN) in the UK?

Ryan Patrick

• 4 min read
What is a Tax Identification Number (TIN) in the UK?

TINs are used to identify taxpayers and make managing their domestic or international tax matters easier. These special identification numbers can be applied to a person or an organisation, like a limited company. In reality, the term “TIN”, can be used as a general term to refer to a wide range of international identification numbers, such as

  • Social security numbers, such as the National Insurance Number in the UK
  • Taxpayer identity numbers, often known as the Unique Taxpayer Reference (UTR)
  • A resident registration number
  • A corporate reference number is used to identify a certain corporation for purposes other than taxation
  • A citizen or personal identity code or number

TIN syntax and structure vary according to the particular national authority. Sometimes they are only a series of numbers, however frequently, they also contain letters. Most importantly, a tax identification number identifies a particular person or company and is always unique.

Are TINs Used by UK Companies?

Tax authorities use tax identification numbers in various nations to trace and keep an eye on people’s tax accounts. While the UK does not have a tax identification number (TIN UK) in the traditional sense, it does utilise various numbers that are assigned to individuals and serve a similar purpose to something that a tax ID number would in the UK.

For companies in the UK, there are two primary categories of unique identification numbers:

A Unique Taxpayer Reference serves wholly different purposes from a company registration number and is kept apart from it. Because of its primary function in taxation, the UTR is typically more equivalent to a Tax Identification Number. However, the CRN may also fall under the purview of a TIN because it is necessary to identify businesses for official purposes. These two figures are crucial and must be included in many aspects of routine business operations, including annual reports.

We will discuss them individually below.

What is a Unique Taxpayer Reference (UTR)?

Upon incorporation, HMRC assigns a Unique Taxpayer Reference (UTR) to every company registered in the United Kingdom. This kind of TIN is a special 10-digit number that is utilised for corporation tax purposes.

A limited company that registers for Corporation Tax will receive a Unique Taxpayer Reference from HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC). After that, this number must be used for all communications with HMRC as well as for the submission of paperwork, business accounts, and Corporation Tax payments.

These activities include:

  • Registering a business for Corporation Tax
  • Registering a business for Value Added Tax (VAT)
  • Registering a business for Pay As You Earn (PAYE)
  • Making payments of Corporation Tax
  • Making payments of VAT
  • While paying company employees
  • While filling out annual Corporation Tax returns
  • When Filing VAT returns
  • Notifying HMRC of a change to the business
  • To change the Corporation Tax accounting period
  • Notifying HMRC that a company has become dormant
  • In all other correspondence with HMRC

How can I find my Unique Taxpayer Reference?

Any prior tax returns and other HMRC records have the Unique Taxpayer Reference. These consist of reminders to file a return and to make payments. You can find this TIN number by accessing the Corporation Tax account online.

You can ask HMRC for a copy if you have completely misplaced your Corporation Tax UTR number. The registered company name and the company registration number are the two pieces of information needed to request a new UTR. Following a successful request, the TIN will be mailed to the business’s registration address as listed with Companies House.

Under none of the following circumstances will companies be able to obtain a copy of their Corporation Tax UTR:

  • If the business has been struck off and is no longer listed on Companies House’s public register of businesses; If the business has been formally disbanded or dissolved,
  • If the company is no longer registered because it has subsequently shifted to another type of business structure, like a partnership.

What is a Company Registration Number (CRN)?

As soon as a business is registered, Companies House issues the company registration number (CRN). Each limited corporation is identified by it, and its legal existence is confirmed. It is a special eight-character combination made up of either eight numbers or two letters and six numerals. The Certificate of Incorporation and all official communications from Companies House bear the CRN. It is also listed in the public register of corporations with other corporate information.

The CRN may also be regarded as a Tax Identification Number even though it isn’t generally used for taxes because it must be mentioned for official purposes, some of which may be related to taxes. The company registration number (CRN), must be supplied for all correspondence and information filed with Companies House, just as the UTR must be supplied in all interactions with HMRC. A range of other third parties, including financial institutions or trading partners, may also request it.

When Will I Need to use my Company Registration number?

The CRN is required to identify the company on the following documents:

  • Confirmation statements, which must be filed annually
  • Company accounts, which must also be filed annually
  • Corporation Tax returns, which require the CRN to be submitted when registering with HMRC
  • Updating company details—when information is updated with Companies House, including the registered office address or company name—
  • Shares—the CRN must be used when filing a Return of Allotment of Shares or when issuing share certificates
  • VAT—the CRN must be provided when registering with HMRC
  • PAYE—the CRN must be provided when registering with HMRC
  • Bank accounts: the CRN is required when opening a business bank account in the name of the firm
  • firm officers: the CRN is required when hiring and dismissing company directors or company secretaries.
  • Credit: financial institutions require the CRN if extending credit
  • Business stationery: All letterheads, websites, bills, emails, and marketing materials must have the CRN visible on them

The UTR and CRN Tax Identification Numbers are always required when interacting with HMRC regarding Corporation Tax problems.

How Can I Locate the Company's Registration Number?

The Certificate of Incorporation and any other formal correspondence from Companies House contain the company registration number. You can also find it by searching the Companies House’s public register.

Conclusion

Understanding UK tax identification numbers is only one part of managing a business. Contact us at Incorpuk to stay up to date on the most crucial information regarding setting up your business. Incorpuk is the easiest way to start and manage a UK company from anywhere in the world, access UK and international business banking, and manage your company’s finances and taxes. Contact us at Incorpuk now to get started!