The Unique Taxpayer Reference (or UTR) of a company is a unique 10-digit number that HMRC issues to all limited companies. These UTRs can be use to identify companies and for tax-related purposes. Keep a copy of the Unique Taxpayer Reference handy. It is important to have it on hand in case you need it.

How can I obtain a unique taxpayer reference for my limited company?

Companies House will inform HMRC of your company's existence when it is incorporate. HMRC will notify Companies House about your company's existence at incorporation.

HMRC will mail a letter to you within 14 days of your company formation. It will include your Unique Taxpayer Reference.

It will be printed alongside a heading such as 'UTR', "Tax reference", or "Official use". It will explain when and how to register for business taxes.

How can I inform HMRC that my company is active?

Registering for Corporation Tax will require your Unique Taxpayer Reference when you begin trading. This must be done within three months of any business activity.

This is easiest to do online with HMRC.

You will need your Government Gateway username and password before you can start. Also, your 10-digit UTR code. Postal applications are also possible. Your letter must be sign by the company secretary or a director of the company and contain the following information:

● Name of the company and number of registration (CRN).

● Principal address for business activities

● Directors of companies must know their home address and name

● Types of business activities that carried out

● When was your business first trading?

● When will your annual accounts be complete?

HMRC will use this information to determine your accounting period, deadlines for paying Corporation Tax and deliver company tax returns. You should notify your local Corporation Tax office if your company is not operating by writing or calling.

Where can I find my company's UTR?

The letter from HMRC to you shortly after your limited company registration contains your Unique Taxpayer Reference. It is also available online. It will also appear on all official correspondence, including the "Notice to Deliver a Company Tax Return" and payment reminders.

What if I cannot find my company's UTR?

HMRC will mail you a copy of the UTR for your limited company via the GOV.UK website. Before you can begin the process, you will need to have your registered company number and company name.

Can I use my Unique Taxpayer Reference number as my company's UTR?

HMRC issues personal UTRs to self-assessment registered individuals. These UTRs different from the Unique Taxpayer Reference Numbers issued to companies. Therefore, you cannot use your UTR for your business.

Once your application for company formation has been approved, your business is legally separate. It will need its own Unique Taxpayer Referral.

Only you, as an individual, can use your UTR when you file Self Assessment tax returns. You also have to pay Income Tax and NIC on personal income.

How do I obtain a UTR number?

Companies House will provide HMRC with your company details when you register your business. HMRC will then send a letter to your registered office address.

This letter will contain the CT41G form that collects information from your new business. It also includes your UTR number. This number is typically located in the upper right corner of your letter.

Even though your company is not active, you will still receive a UTR number. Dormant company owners must fill out the CT41G Dormant Company Insert form and return it to HMRC.

What information should I provide HMRC?

The CT41G form collects information about your trading activities. HMRC must be notified within 3 months of your company's first trading activity by submitting the CT41G Form. These forms will require you to fill out the following information:

● The date that your company accounts were made up to the Accounting Reference Date.

● Your company name and registration number.

● When did your business first start trading?

● The main trading address is where all day-to-day business is conducted.

● Types of business activities.

Why is the UTR number important?

The UTR number of your company is unique. It must be kept secure on your records. This number allows you to register the company as a corporation, file returns, and pay corporation taxes.

Your company UTR will differ from your UTR, which you use to file self-assessment tax returns. A UK limited company is considered a legal entity when it is registered. It must file separate tax returns.

What to do if your UTR number has been lost?

It is common for people to believe that their Unique Taxpayer Reference has disappeared as very few people still have the original letter verifying their UTR number. UTR numbers are also available on tax returns and reminder letters from HMRC. They can also be found in your online HMRC account.

You can access your online account if you don't have any HMRC documents or copies. Contact the Self Assessment helpline for a copy of your UTR#.

Sharing UTR numbers

UTR numbers are confidential, like National Insurance numbers. There are very few situations where your Unique Taxpayer Referral should be share with anyone other than HMRC. Your UTR number should only be share if you have an accountant or financial advisor who has the authority to act for you. To submit your tax returns or to contact HMRC, they will need your UTR number.

You may also share your UTR number if you are a registered subcontractor for CIS. The contractors who subcontractors work for must verify them. This requires some information, including the UTR number.

Your UTR number should not be share with anyone except for obvious reasons. UTR numbers were used to commit identity theft. Do not share your UTR number with anyone without good cause.

UTR numbers and Company registration numbers. VAT registration numbers.

Unique Taxpayer Reference (CRN) is not the same thing as a company registration (CRN) and a VAT registration (VRN), but there are some key differences.

● Number structure: UTR numbers are 10 numbers. CRNs are 8 numbers or 2 letters, followed by 6 numbers. British VPNs are 2 letters GB, XI, followed by 9 numbers.

● Who has the number? Everybody who completes a Self Assessment requires a UTR number. Limited companies and Limited Liability Partnerships LLPs do not have CRNs. Only companies that VAT registered need a VRN.

● Confidentiality. UTR numbers are extremely confidential. CRNs, VPNs and RRNs are not. While there are many situations where you may need to provide your CRN/VRN, UTR numbers should only ever be share in extremely specific circumstances.