What is a Company HMRC UTR Number?

How to Get an HMRC UTR Number

To obtain an HMRC UTR number, you must first register your company or be self-employed with HMRC. Once registered, the UTR is automatically issued. The process differs slightly for limited companies and self-employed individuals.

For Self-employed Individuals:

• You can apply for a Self-employed UTR number by registering for self-assessment online through the HMRC website.
• The process is free, and you will receive your HMRC UTR number free by post within 10 days.
• Alternatively, you can also apply for a UTR number by phone by contacting HMRC customer services.

For Limited Companies:

• HMRC automatically issues the UTR for a limited company after your company is incorporated. This is typically sent to your registered office address.
• If you don’t receive the number, you can request it by contacting HMRC or applying for a UTR online for free.

Why is the UTR Number Important?

The HMRC UTR number is essential because it helps HMRC keep track of all tax payments and filings. Failure to include this number on tax returns, payments, or other communications could lead to delays, penalties, or fines.

Finding Your HMRC UTR Number After Registering a UK Limited Company

After registering a UK limited company, HMRC automatically issues the HMRC UTR. It’s sent via mail to the registered office, typically within a few weeks of incorporation.

If you haven’t received your UTR yet or are unsure where it is, there are ways to find your company UTR number online. Your UTR will be listed in correspondence with HMRC, including your welcome pack or tax-related letters. You can also apply for a UTR number online for free using the official HMRC site.

Receiving the UTR Number

Once your business is registered with HMRC, receiving the HMRC UTR number is a straightforward process. For a limited company, HMRC automatically generates and sends the UTR number by post to the registered office address shortly after the company is incorporated. Typically, it takes 7 to 10 days for the UTR to arrive, although delays may occur.

If you are self-employed, the process is similar. Upon registering for self-assessment, HMRC will issue your Self-employed UTR number and send it via post to the address you provided during registration.

Retrieving the UTR Number if Misplaced

If you misplace your UTR number, don’t panic. HMRC offers several ways to retrieve it. You can:

• Check previous correspondence from HMRC.
• Log into your online account to view your company UTR number online.
• Use the HMRC UTR number contact number to speak with a representative.

If you’re still having trouble, you can request a new UTR by contacting HMRC. 

Retrieving the UTR for a Limited Company

If you’re running a limited company and have misplaced the UTR, you can recover it by reviewing your initial registration documents. The UTR is sent to your company’s registered office address after incorporation. If you still can’t find it, you can contact HMRC to request a new copy. It’s essential for tasks like corporation tax UTR filings and other tax submissions.

Where Can I Find My Company UTR Number?

• Company incorporation documents: The UTR is sent to your registered office within weeks of setting up your limited company.
• HMRC online account: Log in to view your UTR under company information.
• HMRC correspondence: Tax-related documents and letters from HMRC always include the UTR.

Call their helpline to apply for a UTR number online or by phone.

How Can I Find Out My UTR Number Online?

If you’ve misplaced your company UTR number, there are several ways to retrieve it. One option is to log into your HMRC online account, where the UTR is displayed in your personal or company dashboard. You can also search through past correspondence from HMRC, where the company UTR number is typically included.

Steps to Find Your UTR Number:

1. Log in to your HMRC online account to find your UTR number online.
2. Check past communications like tax returns or welcome packs sent by HMRC.
3. Contact HMRC by phone or through the HMRC UTR number contact number for assistance.

How to Use the HMRC UTR Number

The HMRC UTR is used for various tax-related activities. Below are some key areas where your UTR will be required:

1. Filing Corporation Tax Returns
   Every UK limited company must file a corporation tax return, and the UTR is needed to complete this filing. Without the UTR, you cannot submit your returns, which could result in penalties.
2. Paying Corporation Tax
   Your UTR must be provided when paying corporation tax. It allows HMRC to link the payment to your company, ensuring accurate processing.
3. Corresponding with HMRC
   Whether you’re sending documents or receiving information, your HMRC UTR must be included in every correspondence. This helps HMRC to track and organize communication related to your company.

What to Do If You Lose Your HMRC UTR Number

If you lose your UTR number, there are a few immediate steps to take. First, review your HMRC documents, such as your registration letter or tax return forms, which should display the UTR number.

Immediate Steps to Take:

• Find the company UTR number on any past correspondence from HMRC.
• Check online via your Government Gateway account.
• Contact the HMRC customer service department via their contact number for help.

Preventative Measures:

To avoid losing your UTR again, consider keeping a digital and physical copy of important documents. Save the UTR in a secure online storage system or file it with your company’s essential paperwork.

HMRC UTR Number Retrieval Steps