# What is a UTR number?

Checked 2026-10-01. 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" (https://www.gov.uk/find-utr-number). Checked 2026-10-01.

## Related

- [How to pay your Corporation Tax bill](https://www.rewardspilot.co.uk/pay/corporation-tax)
- [What is a VAT registration number?](https://www.rewardspilot.co.uk/learn/vat-registration-number)

Official facts are quoted from GOV.UK and can change. This is general information, not tax or legal advice.

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