Possibly the most important 10-digit number you will ever need…

from the desk of Bookkeeper Derby

…. that is of course, if you are self-employed. The 10-digit Unique Tax Reference number is often over-looked / misplaced and undoubtably ignored. Until that is, you need to submit an online return.

HMRC in their informative article: Understanding and using Self Assessment Online tells us that:

You’ll find your Unique Taxpayer Reference (UTR) on correspondence from HMRC. If you can’t find it, you can contact the Self Assessment Helpline and ask for it to be sent to your home address. HMRC can’t tell you your UTR over the phone.

It is my understanding from a variety of clients that trying to reach the right department within the HMRC is a challenge akin to climbing Mount Everest Summit. However, the elation of getting through to the right person with The Knowledge was swiftly quashed when it became apparent that the needed digits would not be told to them over the phone – but would be sent in a sealed envelope. Second class post.

So before embarking on this path, I would encourage those who have inadvertently misplaced your UTR to do a through search of all your paperwork – you are looking specifically for any document from the HMRC - the UTR number is nominally located in the top left of letters and is found in two blocks of five digits.

Have a Great Day! 

BKD

Other useful sources for reference:

UTR Help and Advice