A UTR (Unique Taxpayer Reference) is a 10-digit number HMRC uses to identify you or your company for tax purposes. Both self-employed individuals and limited companies need one.
What Is a UTR?
A unique reference number issued by HMRC, required for filing Self Assessment tax returns (individuals) or Corporation Tax returns (companies).
Who Is It For?
- Newly incorporated UK companies (issued automatically after incorporation, but registration for Corporation Tax is a separate active step)
- Self-employed sole traders
Why It Matters
Without a UTR, you cannot file a Self Assessment or Corporation Tax return, which can lead to penalties for late or missing filings.
What Fort Filing Helps With
What’s Included
- Guidance on the UTR registration process with HMRC
- Assistance completing the registration
What’s Not Included
- Ongoing Self Assessment or Corporation Tax filing (accounting services, best handled by a licensed accountant)
Requirements
Personal details (for sole traders) or company incorporation details (for limited companies).
Important Notes
Fort Filing is not a government agency, law firm, CPA firm, or bank. We assist with the filing and administrative process only; we do not provide legal, tax, or accounting advice, and we cannot guarantee government approval or processing timelines.
FAQs
Is a UTR the same for individuals and companies?
No — individuals and companies each receive their own UTR, used for different tax filings (Self Assessment vs. Corporation Tax).
When do I get a company UTR?
HMRC typically issues one automatically shortly after Companies House incorporation, but you still need to actively register for Corporation Tax.
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