If I had a pound for every time someone messaged me in a panic about needing a UTR number, I could retire. “HMRC said I need a UTR, what is that? And how do I get one quickly?”.
It’s one of the most common issues people face when they decide to go self-employed, earn some untaxed income, or sell a UK property. The good news? It’s fixable and this guide will walk you through exactly what to do.
What Is a UTR Number and Why Does It Matter?
If you’re reading this, chances are you’ve just found out you need to register for Self-Assessment, or you’ve tried and got stuck. Either way, without your UTR, you won’t be able to file your return, and the longer the delay, the more likely you are to face HMRC penalties.
So, before we dive into how to get it, let's clear up any confusion. Your Unique Taxpayer Reference (UTR) number is a special 10-digit code issued by HMRC. Think of it as your personal tax ID! It's essential for Self-Assessment, which is how you declare your income and pay tax if you're:
- Self-employed (a sole trader)
- Receiving rental income
- Earning income that isn't taxed at source, like from a side hustle or investments
Even if you don't have one yet, don't worry! The process to get your UTR number, whether you're setting up as a sole trader, joining a partnership, or becoming a landlord, is usually quite straightforward.
Who Needs To Apply For a UTR Number?
Here are the most common situations where people realise they need to file a tax return:
- Your only income is above a certain level from savings, investment or property as set out below.
- £10,000 or more income from savings and investments
- £2,500 or more income from untaxed savings and investments
- £10,000 or more income from property (before deducting allowable expenses)
- £2,500 or more income from property (after deducting allowable expenses)
- You’ve started working for yourself or you’ve joined a business partnership
- You receive income from property as well as PAYE or other income
- You’re a CIS subcontractor who wants to claim a refund
- You’ve received untaxed income (e.g. freelance work, side gigs)
- You’re a seafarer and are eligible to claim Seafarers’ Earnings Deduction.
If any of these sound like you, then getting your UTR number is your very next priority!
For our expat friends, yes, you'll need a UTR number if you have UK income that requires a Self-Assessment tax return. This absolutely applies whether you're renting out a property back home or earning from self-employment or a business within the UK.
Still unsure? Feel free to contact us. We’re here to help!
When Do You Need to Apply for a UTR Number?
You should apply as soon as you know you need to file a tax return. There is a Self Assessment registration deadline. Missing this can lead to penalties, and we certainly want to avoid those!
The UK tax year runs from 6 April to 5 April the following year. It's crucial to understand which tax year your income falls into when considering deadlines.
Here are the key deadlines for registering for Self Assessment:
The Main Registration Deadline: 5 October
No matter your reason for needing to complete a Self Assessment tax return (whether you're self-employed, a landlord, or have other untaxed income), the general rule of thumb for registering is:
- You must tell HMRC you need to send a tax return by 5 October following the end of the tax year for which you need to file.
Let's put that into perspective for the current tax year (6 April 2024 to 5 April 2025):
If you started self-employment, began receiving rental income, or had other untaxed income for the first time between 6 April 2024 and 5 April 2025, you need to register for Self Assessment by 5 October 2025.
Why is this deadline important? Registering by this date ensures HMRC knows to expect a tax return from you. Once registered, they will typically send you your Unique Taxpayer Reference (UTR) number, which you'll need to file your return.
If you previously filed a Self Assessment tax return: You don't need to re-register each year. HMRC already expects a return from you unless you've informed them you no longer need to file one.
How to Get Your UTR Number Quickly
Once you've confirmed you need one, applying is the next exciting step! The method you use depends a little on your circumstances.
Quickest Way for Self-Employed Individuals (UK Residents): Online Registration!
If you're self-employed and based in the UK, the fastest route to your UTR number is usually through the HMRC website. Here’s how you can get started:
- Set up your Government Gateway account: If you don't already have one, you'll need to create a Government Gateway user ID and password. This is your secure account for interacting with HMRC online.
- Register for Self Assessment: Once logged into your Government Gateway account, you can then proceed to register for Self-Assessment. This tells HMRC that you'll be submitting tax returns.
After you've completed your online registration, HMRC will send your UTR number to you in the post within 10 working days. So keep an eye on your letterbox!
What If You're a Landlord?
Ah, our landlord clients! If you're renting out property and this is your first time registering for Self Assessment, you'll definitely need to get your UTR number. This applies whether your property is in the UK or overseas.
The good news is that the process for UK landlords is similar to registering as a self-employed individual. The key difference is that you'll complete a different online form.
Top Tip for Landlords: If you've been earning rental income for a while but haven't registered for Self Assessment yet, it's absolutely crucial to do so as soon as possible to avoid penalties. HMRC can charge you a fine for late registration.
If you’re a non-resident landlord, you are most likely having tax deducted at source by the letting agent. There is a different form to apply for a UTR number and get approved to receive rental income without tax deducted. You can read more about the Non-Resident Landlord (NRL) Scheme here.
Let a Tax Agent Handle It For You
Alternatively, if you don’t want to apply yourself, you can ask a tax agent to handle the application for you, so you can get on and focus on your business.
You may also need to use a tax agent if you’re a non-resident, as HMRC’s online system often can’t verify ID for people living abroad. In those cases, registering by post or appointing a tax agent is usually the best bet.
What If You’ve Lost Your UTR Number?
Don’t worry, it happens more than you’d think.
You can usually find it on:
- HMRC letters (like ‘Notice to File a Tax Return’ or Statement)
- Your online Personal Tax Account (if you can log in)
- By calling HMRC (they’ll ask you security questions & post it to you)
A quick tip for peace of mind: As soon as your UTR arrives, I highly recommend saving a digital copy to your cloud storage (like Google Drive or Dropbox). You'll find it incredibly handy to have it safely stored for every year's filing!
Common Delays (and How to Avoid Them)
Delays usually happen when:
- Your personal details don’t match HMRC records
- You’ve recently changed address or name
- You’re abroad and your ID can’t be verified online
- You’ve already applied once and submitted a duplicate form
To speed things up:
- Double-check everything before submitting
- Use the correct registration form for your situation
- Consider using an agent if you’re outside the UK or need it fast
FAQs
Can I get my UTR number online instantly?
No. You can register online, but the UTR will still be sent by post.
I live overseas and can’t pass ID checks. What do I do?
You’ll likely need to apply by post or through an agent like us who can handle the process for you.
Is a UTR the same as a company UTR?
No, personal and company UTRs are separate. If you’re self-employed, you need a personal UTR.
Final Thoughts
Getting a UTR isn’t difficult, but it can be frustrating, especially if you’re under time pressure or stuck overseas. Don’t wait until the October deadline is looming. Get ahead of it.
Or better yet, let us take care of it for you. We offer a UTR registration service for only £25. It’s one less admin task to worry about and can save you the headache.
We’ll:
- Register you with HMRC for Self Assessment
- Make sure the correct form is completed
- Prevent delays in obtaining your UTR due to errors
This is especially useful for:
- Busy self-employed people
- Non-residents who can’t use HMRC online services
- Landlords registering for the NRL Scheme too
If you’re still unsure, please send us a message.