A Unique Taxpayer Reference (UTR) is a 10-digit number that identifies you to HMRC. If you are self-employed or get rental income, you normally need one to file Self Assessment returns.
The Unique Taxpayer Reference (UTR) is a 10-digit number issued by HMRC. It is unique to you and is used to identify you for Self Assessment purposes. It is not the same as your National Insurance number — the UTR is the reference HMRC uses to match your Self Assessment return and payments to your record. You will normally see your UTR on the paperwork HMRC sends you when you register for Self Assessment, on your Self Assessment tax return, and in your HMRC online account. If you use an accountant, they will usually have it on file and print it on your correspondence.
You usually need a UTR if you are self-employed and must send a Self Assessment tax return — for example if you earned more than £1,000 from self-employment in a tax year, or you are a landlord with rental income, or you have other income that is not taxed at source and must be declared. You also need one if you want to claim certain reliefs that can only be claimed through a Self Assessment return. You do not need a UTR just because you are employed: if your only income is from employment, your tax is usually handled through PAYE and you get your tax code instead. If you are simply a shareholder of a company, you do not need a UTR for that role on its own.
If you have filed Self Assessment before, your UTR will be on your previous returns and on letters from HMRC. You can also view it by signing in to your HMRC online account and navigating to your Self Assessment summary — the number is usually shown prominently beside your name. If you have never had a UTR and need one, you register for Self Assessment online at GOV.UK. HMRC will record the registration and issue your UTR, normally by post, within the processing time shown at registration. You should keep a note of it in your records: you will need it every year, and generally for any interaction with HMRC about your Self Assessment.
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UTR explained: the 10-digit Unique Taxpayer Reference every self-employed person and landlord needs for Self Assessment, and how to find or register for yours.
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