Opening a new business can be an equally exciting and frantic time. One element that causes particular confusion to new company owners is the UTR number. In this article we define what a company UTR number is, and outline how your company receive a copy.
Defining a UTR Number
A UTR (Unique Taxpayer Reference) comprises a 10 digit code issued by HMRC to anyone in the UK who completes a tax self-assessment These include:
– Owners of limited companies
– Sole traders
– Self-employed individuals
Why do I need my UTR number?
– A UTR number is used to identify companies for all tax-related issues.
– You will need to provide your company UTR number for the following purposes:
– Changing your corporation tax accounting period
– Contacting HMRC for company related issues
– Informing HMRC about changes to your registered details or company structure
– Informing HMRC if your business is dormant
– Paying corporation tax and VAT
– Filing tax and VAT Returns
– Registering for corporation tax, VAT, and PAYE
– Paying your employees
Where is my UTR Number?
You will receive a UTR number during a tax self-assessment registration or when forming a limited company. If you’re yet to receive your UTR number or have misplaced it, a company director can contact HMRC by post, online or by phone to request the code. You’ll then receive your UTR number along with an activation code within approximately 10 days when delivered to UK addresses or 21 days elsewhere.
There are a few easy ways to retrieve your company UTR number should it be lost or forgotten.
The majority of HMRC correspondence will display your company UTR number; The number should be listed on any of the following tax documents:
– P60
– P45
– Payslips
Alternatively, you can call the self-assessment helpline or visit the HMRC website.
What Information Does HMRC Require?
You’ll have to register your company as “active” with HMRC within three months of trading or receiving business related income. You’ll need to provide the following information to HMRC:
– Company name and registration number
– Trading start date
– Main address for business activities (Registered Office or service address)
– Your company’s principal activities (as detailed by the company’s SIC code)
– The company’s accounting reference date
– Details of all company directors
Similar Company Numbers
The company UTR number is one of many codes related to your new company and should not be confused with the following:
Company Registration Number (CRN): This number is used to identify your company and will be printed on the certificate of incorporation. It usually contains eight digits for English companies or two letters followed by six numbers for Scottish and Northern Irish companies (e.g. NI123456).
VAT number: issued by HMRC for companies registered for Value Added Tax. This number contains nine digits, with the “GB” prefix (e.g. GB123456789)
Employer reference number: issued by HMRC when employers register to implement PAYE for their employees. The first part of the reference consists of three digits, identifying the tax office that deals with the appropriate PAYE. The second identifies the tax office’s employer reference (e.g. 123/AB456).
With over 20 years of experience, The Company Shop can streamline the often stressful experience of setting up a new company. For more information and guidance on forming your company contact us at our website or call us on 028 9055 9955.
