If you run a limited company in the UK, you’ll come across plenty of acronyms - from VAT and CRN to PAYE and CT600 - but one that’s particularly important is your company’s UTR (Unique Tax Reference) number. This string of digits is essential for communicating with HMRC, registering for Corporation Tax and keeping on top of all your tax obligations. 

But what exactly is a company UTR number, and where can you find yours? In this article, we’ll break it all down for you: 

What’s a company UTR number and why does it matter?

A company UTR (Unique Taxpayer Reference) number is a 10-digit number that HMRC will issue for you when you first register your limited company. They’ll usually send it within 14 days of your registration with Companies House.  

This company UTR is then used to identify your business for tax purposes, particularly when you’re paying Corporation Tax. It essentially acts as your company’s tax ID, because whenever you file returns or deal with HMRC, they’ll use your UTR to track your tax records.

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What’s the difference between a personal and company UTR number?

Your company UTR is not the same as your personal UTR number (which you may have if you’re self-employed or file a Self Assessment tax return). Your company UTR relates specifically to your limited company’s tax obligations, not your personal income.

A company UTR is also not to be confused with your Company Registration Number (CRN), which will be issued to you by Companies House when you register your limited company. While your CRN confirms your company’s legal existence and is needed for company records and legal filings, your company UTR is assigned by HMRC and is all about handling your taxes.

When do you need your company UTR number?

You’ll need your company UTR whenever you’re doing anything tax related, like when you’re:

• Filing your company’s Corporation Tax return: HMRC will request your UTR when you submit your CT600 form.
• Paying Corporation Tax: If your company owes Corporation Tax, you’ll need your UTR when making payments to HMRC.
• Communicating with HMRC: Whether you’re calling HMRC with a tax query or setting up a Government Gateway account, your UTR is your identifier.
• Registering for other taxes: If your company needs to register for VAT or PAYE, you’ll need to provide your UTR as part of the process.

Where can you find your company UTR number?

HMRC will assign you your company UTR number automatically when you register your business with Companies House. They’ll send it to your company’s registered office address within 14 days in a welcome letter, so when you’re looking for your company UTR number, here are the three best places to check:

1. Any correspondence from HMRC 

HMRC includes your company UTR number in most official documents relating to Corporation Tax, such as:

• Your company’s Corporation Tax welcome letter
• Any previous Corporation Tax return reminders
• Payment reminders or other letters from HMRC

2. Your online HMRC account

If you’ve registered for HMRC’s online services, you can find your UTR by logging in to your Business Tax Account. Simply login to HMRC’s website, select ‘Corporation Tax’ from your tax services and you should see your company UTR displayed within your account details. 

You should also be able to find your company UTR number within the HMRC app if you have it.

3. Your accountant or tax advisor

If you use a Crunch accountant to manage your company’s finances, they will absolutely have a record of your company UTR number. If you can’t find it yourself, it’s worth asking them.

FAQ's about your company UTR number

What to do if you’ve lost your company UTR number

If you can’t find your company UTR number in your records, you can always request it from HMRC. 

You can either call HMRC’s Corporation Tax helpline at 0300 200 3410 and provide them with your company name, company registration number (CRN) and registered office address, or you can request a company UTR reminder online via HMRC’s ‘Find a lost UTR’ service. HMRC will then send a letter with your company UTR number to your company’s registered office. Keep in mind that this may take up to 10 working days.

Is your company UTR number confidential?

Yes, your company UTR number is sensitive information, so you should always keep it secure. Bad actors can use UTRs for tax-related scams, so don’t ever share your company UTR number publicly. You should only give it out to trusted parties like HMRC, your accountant or registered tax services.

Can you get a new company UTR number?

Nope, your company UTR number is yours for life! HMRC assigns one UTR number per company, and it remains the same for the lifetime of your business. 

If you ever dissolve your company and later start a new one, your new company will be assigned a different UTR.
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The bottom line

Your company UTR number is a key part of your business’ tax identity, so it’s important to keep it safe and always have it to hand. Whenever you’re filing tax returns, communicating with HMRC or registering for other tax services, you’ll need to know where to find your company UTR number. You can’t stay on top of your taxes without it!

If you need help managing your limited company’s tax obligations, working with an accountant or tax professional like one of our friendly team at Crunch can make your life a whole lot easier. Our team can handle all of the financial back-office for you, so you can focus on what matters most - running your business. 

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