What is a UTR number?

Starting a company involves absorbing a great deal of new information, and it’s easy to overlook small but crucial details, such as your unique taxpayer reference (UTR).

But what exactly is a UTR, and why is it important?

This article will cover what a UTR is, how to obtain one for your limited company, how to register for corporation tax, where to find your company’s UTR, whether you can use a personal UTR for a company, and tips on keeping your UTR safe.

What is a Unique Taxpayer Reference (UTR)?

A Unique Taxpayer Reference (UTR) is a code used by HMRC to identify a business or individual for all tax-related purposes, such as filing tax returns, making payments, and matching records. It consists of a 10-digit number, which is issued by HMRC to all newly registered limited companies or self-employed individuals.

• Support for entrepreneurs: Here’s where to start
• 10 overlooked money-saving tips for small businesses in 2026
• Confused about Making Tax Digital for Income Tax? You’re not alone

Your UTR never changes. But each year, you need to add seven more letters and figures to it to create your Corporation Tax reference, as described on the Pay your Corporation Tax explainer page. For example, your permanent UTR might be 1568927158, but your payment reference for the year might be 1568927158-A00127A.

How to get a UTR for your limited company

If you register your company online, Companies House will automatically inform HMRC, who will then send a letter to your company’s registered office address.

This correspondence will contain your company’s UTR and should arrive within 15 days of your company formation, or longer if you live overseas. It will also include details about the tax office you’ve been assigned to, and instructions on how to register for Corporation Tax.

How long will it take if I’m based overseas?

The processing times for issuing UTRs can vary depending on factors such as the season or the volume of applications being processed.

If you’re based overseas, it can take several weeks to receive your number, so plan to ensure that you have it by the time you need it. Using a company formation agent like 1st Formations, which provides a London business address with same-day mail forwarding, will help you obtain the number as quickly as possible.

How to register your company for Corporation Tax

Your limited company must register with HMRC to pay Corporation Tax within three months of starting business activities. This includes buying, selling, advertising, employing someone, or even renting an office. Is your company not trading yet? You may still need to register with the tax office. If you don’t do this in time, HMRC may issue a penalty, even if your company hasn’t earned income yet.

When registering online with Companies House, companies are usually set up for Corporation Tax automatically, unless the company is dormant. However, companies that register by post, through an agent, or using third-party software will need to separately add Corporation Tax services to their business tax account.

Where to find your company’s UTR

You will see your UTR printed on the letter HMRC sends after company registration. It also appears on other correspondence, such as Company Tax Return notices and payment reminders.

If you’ve already registered a business tax account and attached the UTR to your profile, you should also be able to find it there.

If you can’t find this number on any documents or online, or didn’t receive it 15 working days after registering your company, you can request it online. HMRC will post it to your company’s registered office address, so ensure this address is up to date on Companies House first; otherwise, the letter may not reach you.

Can I use my personal UTR for my company?

It’s easy to confuse your personal UTR – used for Self Assessment – with your company’s UTR. But they’re completely different. You cannot use that personal number for your limited company.

When your company formation is approved, your business becomes a distinct legal entity that needs its own unique taxpayer reference, so you must keep the two separate. Use your personal UTR only when you file Self Assessment tax returns and pay Income Tax and National Insurance on your personal income.

Common mistakes with company numbers

Two potential errors are confusing your company UTR with your company registration number (CRN) or VAT registration number (VRN).

UTRs have 10 digits, but CRNs have either eight numbers (such as 12345678) or a combination of letters and numbers (such as AA123456), depending on the type and location of the company in the UK.

VRNs comprise two letters (GB for Great Britain or XI for Northern Ireland) followed by nine digits. You’ll only have a VRN if your company is registered for VAT.

Step-by-step recap: Getting a UTR and registering for Company Tax

Keep your UTR (and other key accounts) safe from day one

Your UTR is one of many items of information you’ll receive when you set up a company. Other items include your government Gateway ID, company registration number, and VAT number if you’re VAT registered. Losing or forgetting these numbers can create an organisational headache. For this reason, keep them in a safe but accessible place to stay on top of your admin as your business gets up and running.

Need help forming your company and applying for Corporation Tax? Our company formation services include everything you need to get started. This includes clear steps to receive your UTR.