What the heck is a UTR?

Amazingly a UTR is nothing to do with your urinary tract. However, it is a mandatory number for you to report your self-assessment tax return to the HMRC (so could be equally painful ;-)

What is a UTR number?

UTR stands for ‘unique taxpayer reference’ and is a unique 10 digit number (often ending with a 'K') that HMRC gives to each self-assessment taxpayer to work out their taxes and complete your UK tax return.

Like a digital tattoo, once assigned your UTR number stays with you until the end of this life - in the same way as your NINO (National Insurance number). And here at TAXO'D we have no evidence that you are not implanted with it for your journey into the next life/lives.

Do I need a UTR number?

If you are about to submit a self-assessment, then YES you need to get a UTR number. You also need one:

• if you are Self Employed
• if you earn more than 100k annually
• if you own a Limited Company
• if you made a profit from capital gains, dividends or savings

If in any doubt - See here for an all-encompassing list direct from the HMRC

How does one get a UTR number?

Unlike your NINO (National Insurance number) your UTR does not just arrive on your doorstep just before your 16th birthday courtesy of the UTR fairy. You need to register for it with the HMRC in one of the following ways:

• ONLINE: Register for self-assessment online via the HMRC website. You will then automatically be given a UTR number which will be sent out to you by post (possibly by a UTR fairy)
• TELEPHONE: Call HMRC (0300 200 3310) and apply for your UTR number over the phone, obviously you will have to answer a few questions and know your NINO (National Insurance number)
• POST: You can request a UTR number in writing to HMRC. This will be (by far) the slowest way to get your UTR number so allow up to 8 weeks.

Information needed to get a UTR number

To register, you will need the following:

• Name
• Address History
• NINO (national insurance number)
• DOB (date of birth)
• Phone number
• Email address

If you run your own business, you will also need:

• The date you started
• Nature of business
• Business address
• Business phone number

If you have lost your UTR number?

DOH! Simply call the HMRC self-assessment helpline (0300 200 3310). 

and have your NINO to hand. (you may have guessed, we at TAXO'D love the acronym .. NINO!)

Not fine with a fine?

No one is fine with a fine. Why is a fine even called a fine? As it's far from flipping fine! Am I right? If HMRC can not match your records to your UTR then you run the risk of missing deadlines. And a 'missed deadline' is a nice payola for HMRC. Every. Single. Time.

TAXO'D TOP TIP - Get yourself a UTR number in good time. In this life, it is definitively a much-needed companion to the joys of being self employed.

Fellow lovers of NINOS ..

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Disclaimer: This is simply a guide and should not be treated as tax advice. Contact HMRC directly if you need tax advice.