UTR (Unique Taxpayer Reference)

A Unique Taxpayer Reference (UTR) is a 10-digit number HMRC gives you when you register for Self Assessment, or a company when it is set up. It is sometimes just called the “tax reference”¹.

Why it matters

A company and its director each have their own UTR: the company’s for its Company Tax Return, the director’s for their own Self Assessment. HMRC usually posts a UTR around 15 days after registration¹.

For a company, it is on previous tax returns and HMRC letters, such as notices to file a return or payment reminders. A limited company can request its Corporation Tax UTR online, and HMRC posts it to the business address registered with Companies House¹.

It isn’t a Companies House code: compare it with the authentication code and the personal code in your Companies House personal code.