What is a UTR number?
Checked 1 October 2026 · By the RewardsPilot team
A UTR (Unique Taxpayer Reference) is the 10-digit number HM Revenue and Customs gives a person who registers for Self Assessment or a company when it is set up. It identifies the taxpayer on returns, payments and HMRC letters, and is needed to register a limited company for VAT. It is sometimes just called a tax reference.
What to know
- It usually arrives by post around 15 days after registering, longer from overseas.
- An individual or sole trader finds it in their Personal Tax Account, the HMRC app, or on previous tax returns and HMRC letters.
- A company's UTR is on the letter HMRC sends after incorporation and in the company's HMRC online account.
- It is not the same as a VAT registration number, a PAYE reference or a company registration number.
Sources: GOV.UK, "Find your UTR number". Checked 1 October 2026.
Related
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PAYE · VAT · National Insurance · Corporation Tax · Business rates · VAT registration number · VAT return · VAT invoice · Avios
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Official facts are quoted from GOV.UK and can change. This is general information, not tax or legal advice. Programme facts come from the published RewardsPilot rate and the Rewards Programme Rules.