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Last updated: 4 December 2023

How to get a UTR number for tradespeople

As a tradesperson you'll need a UTR number for paying tax. This article looks at how to get a UTR and what information you need when you apply.

How to get a UTR number for tradespeople
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What is a UTR number?

HMRC’s Unique Taxpayer Reference (UTR) is a 10-digit number. The UTR is needed by anyone who submits a self-assessment tax return.

For many tradespeople, that means getting a self-employed UTR number when they start their business as a sole trader. You'll receive your UTR when you register with HMRC to pay tax.

A separate UTR to your individual UTR may be needed depending on the legal structure you choose for your business. For example, you might decide to trade as a partnership or a limited company.

Your UTR number never changes

Like your National Insurance Number, your UTR number will never change. If you change from being a sole trader to a partnership your UTR stays the same.

However, if you change your business to a limited company, your limited company will also be given its own UTR number. But your personal UTR will be unchanged.

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Why your trade business needs a UTR number

Tradespeople need a UTR when they set up in business. The UTR is needed by:

  • Self-employed tradespeople and sole traders who pay tax through self-assessment

  • Individual partners in a business partnership who pay tax through self-assessment

  • Limited companies must have a UTR

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What HMRC uses UTRs for

You’ll need to know your UTR when you pay taxes as a tradesperson. Here’s our handy guide for tradespeople on filling out a self-assessment form.

HMRC uses your UTR number to track and check that you are paying tax that is due. It helps ensure the right amount of tax is paid at the right time.

How to apply for a UTR number

How to get a UTR number for the first time is fairly straightforward. Probably the easiest and quickest way is to get a UTR number online.

You can apply for a UTR when you register with HMRC for self-assessment. If your business is a limited company, it will need its own UTR. HMRC will send a company UTR to its registered business address.

If you prefer, you can apply for a UTR number by:

  • Phone – call HMRC on 0300 200 3310

  • Post – write a letter to HMRC requesting a UTR

It usually takes 10 days to send your UTR number. It can take longer if you apply by phone or post.

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Personal information you need to apply for a UTR

When you apply for your UTR number, you'll need to provide HMRC with the following personal details:

  • Your name and personal details (date of birth, address)

  • Your National Insurance number

  • Your phone number and email

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Business information you need to apply for a UTR

As well as your personal information, these business details will also be required:

  • Your trade business name

  • Your trade business address

  • The industry sector you work in

  • Your trade business address

  • Your trade business phone number and email

  • The date you became self-employed or registered your limited company

What happens if you lose or forget your UTR number

Once you have a UTR number, you can find it easily by checking online with HMRC. Your UTR will appear on lots of different official documents from HMRC.

These include:

  • The letter you receive when you register for a UTR (called a SA250 form)

  • HMRC notices for you to file tax returns

  • Reminders to you to make tax payments

  • Statements of account showing what tax you have paid

  • Your previous tax returns

FAQs

How long does it take to get a UTR number?

HMRC posts UTR numbers when you register. It usually takes about 10 days for the letter (called a SA250) to arrive.

How do I register to get a UTR number?

You can register for with HMRC online (the quickest way) or by phone or post in order to get the number.

I’m a sole trader and plan to become a limited company – will my UTR have to change?

No. Your individual 10-digit UTR number will never change. When you set up a limited company it is a separate legal entity and will receive its own UTR number.

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DISCLAIMER

This is information – not financial advice or recommendation. The content and materials featured or linked to on this blog are for your information and education only and are not intended to address your particular personal requirements. The information does not constitute financial advice or recommendation and should not be considered as such. Checkatrade website is not regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), its authors are not financial advisors, and it is therefore not authorised to offer financial advice.

Always do your own research and seek independent financial advice when required. Any arrangement made between you and any third party named or linked to from the site is at your sole risk and responsibility. Checkatrade blog and its associated writers assume no liability for your actions.

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