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 perhaps you’ve tried and got a bit stuck. Either way, without your Unique Taxpayer Reference (UTR) number, you won’t be able to file your tax return, and the longer the delay, the more likely you are to face those dreaded 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 absolutely 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, want to claim Seafarers' Earning Deduction, or becoming a landlord, is usually quite straightforward.
Who Needs To Apply For a UTR Number?
Understanding if you need a UTR number for Self Assessment is the first vital step. Here are the most common situations where people realise they need to file a tax return and register for a UTR number:
- Your income from savings, investments, or property is above certain thresholds:
- £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 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 whether you need to register for Self Assessment? Feel free to contact us. We’re here to help clear things up!
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 specific Self Assessment registration deadline and missing this can lead to penalties, which we certainly want to help you avoid!
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 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 tax return.
Already filed before? 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 for property income.
Expert 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.
You Can Let a Tax Agent Handle It for You
Alternatively, if you don’t want to apply yourself, or if you need to get your UTR number fast and want to avoid potential delays, you can ask a tax agent to handle the application for you. This frees you up to focus on your business or other priorities!
You may also find it essential 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 for a smoother, quicker process.
What If You’ve Lost Your UTR Number?
Don’t worry, it happens more than you’d think. If you've misplaced your UTR number, 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) so that it is handy for every year's filing!
Common Delays (and How to Avoid Them)
While the process to get your UTR number is generally straightforward, frustrating delays can sometimes happen. These usually occur when:
- Your personal details don’t quite 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 accidentally submitted a duplicate form
To speed things up and avoid common UTR number problems:
- Double-check everything before submitting your application
- Use the correct registration form for your specific situation
- Consider using an agent if you’re outside the UK or simply need your UTR fast and want to minimize potential delays
FAQs
Can I get my UTR number online instantly?
No. You can register online, but the UTR will still be sent by post, which typically takes around 10 working days.
I live overseas and can’t pass ID checks. What do I do?
You’ll likely need to apply by post or through a tax agent like us who can handle the process for you. This is a common solution for non-residents.
Is a UTR the same as a company UTR?
No, personal UTRs and company UTRs are separate and serve different purposes. If you’re self-employed, you need a personal UTR.
Final Thoughts
Getting a UTR isn’t inherently difficult, but it can certainly be frustrating, especially if you’re under time pressure or trying to navigate it from overseas. Don’t wait until the October deadline is looming. Get ahead of it and ensure you're registered.
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, ensuring you get your UTR number fast and correctly.
We’ll:
- Register you with HMRC for Self Assessment
- Make sure the correct form is completed for your circumstances
- Help prevent common delays in obtaining your UTR due to errors
This is especially useful for:
- Busy self-employed people who want to focus on their business
- Non-residents who can’t use HMRC online services
- Landlords registering for the NRL Scheme too
If you’re still unsure whether you need to register, or you simply want a smooth and stress-free process, please contact us or visit our UTR Registration Service page to learn more about how we can help you get your UTR number.