Lost Your UTR? Here's How to Find It (And What to Do Next)
Quick Answer
Your UTR (Unique Taxpayer Reference) is a 10-digit number HMRC uses to identify you for Self Assessment. If you've lost it, check previous tax returns, HMRC letters, or log into your HMRC online account. If you've never registered, you'll need to sign up for Self Assessment first.
Target Searches
- lost utr number uk
- how to find my utr
- utr number self employed
- where to find utr hmrc
- forgot utr number
- utr not received
- how to get utr number
- utr scam warning
- self assessment utr
- hmrc utr recovery
What is a UTR?
Your Unique Taxpayer Reference is a 10-digit number assigned by HMRC when you register for Self Assessment.
Example format: 1234567890
It's used to:
- File your Self Assessment tax return
- Log into HMRC online services
- Identify you in correspondence with HMRC
You'll need it every year when filing.
Where to Find Your UTR
1. Previous Tax Returns
Your UTR appears on the front of any Self Assessment tax return you've filed.
2. HMRC Letters
Look through any official HMRC letters. Your UTR is usually printed near the top or in a reference box.
3. HMRC Online Account
If you've set up a Government Gateway account:
- Go to gov.uk
- Log in with your Government Gateway ID
- Your UTR should be visible in your Self Assessment section
4. HMRC App
Download the official HMRC app and log in. Your UTR is displayed in your account details.
5. Your Accountant
If you use an accountant, they'll have your UTR on file.
6. Call HMRC
As a last resort, call the Self Assessment helpline. After security questions, they can confirm your UTR.
Self Assessment helpline: 0300 200 3310 (check current hours on GOV.UK)
What If You Never Received a UTR?
If you registered for Self Assessment but never got your UTR:
- Wait 10 working days – UTRs are sent by post and can take time
- Check spam – If you gave an email, check junk folders
- Log into HMRC online – It may be visible even if the letter didn't arrive
- Call HMRC – They can resend or confirm over the phone
What If You Never Registered?
If you've never registered for Self Assessment, you won't have a UTR yet.
To register:
- Go to gov.uk/register-for-self-assessment
- Complete the registration
- Wait for your UTR to arrive by post (10–20 working days)
- Set up your Government Gateway account if you haven't already
Important: Don't leave this until January. The process takes time, and you need the UTR to file.
See our deadlines checklist for key dates.
⚠️ Scam Warning
Fraudsters often target people looking for their UTR.
Stay safe:
- Only use GOV.UK – Type the address directly into your browser
- Never pay for a UTR – Registration is free via HMRC
- Don't click links in texts/emails claiming to be from HMRC
- HMRC won't threaten immediate arrest or demand gift card payments
If you receive a suspicious message:
- Don't click any links
- Forward phishing emails to phishing@hmrc.gov.uk
- Report suspicious texts by forwarding to 60599
Worked Example: Recovering Your UTR
Scenario: Sarah registered for Self Assessment two years ago. She's moved house and can't find any HMRC letters.
Solution:
- Sarah logs into her Government Gateway account (she still remembers the password)
- She navigates to her Self Assessment section
- Her UTR is displayed at the top
If she couldn't log in, she'd call HMRC with her National Insurance number ready for security verification.
What to Do Once You Have Your UTR
- Write it down somewhere safe – A password manager or secure note
- Keep HMRC letters – They contain your UTR and are useful for reference
- Add it to your records – Include in your record-keeping system
Common Mistakes
1. Searching for UTR without being registered
You only get a UTR when you register for Self Assessment. If you've never registered, you don't have one yet.
2. Confusing UTR with NI number
Your National Insurance number (e.g., QQ 12 34 56 C) is different from your UTR (10 digits only).
3. Paying a third party to "find" your UTR
Scam sites charge for something HMRC provides free. Always go through official channels.
4. Not updating your address with HMRC
If you move, update your address. Otherwise, important letters (including UTR) go to the wrong place.
5. Leaving it until the deadline
If you can't find your UTR in late January, you may miss the filing deadline. Sort it early.
FAQ
Is my UTR the same every year?
Yes. Once assigned, your UTR stays the same for life (unless you change entity type, like becoming a limited company).
Can I have more than one UTR?
Yes—if you're also a company director, you may have a personal UTR and a company UTR. Use the right one for each.
Is UTR the same as my tax reference?
Yes. UTR stands for Unique Taxpayer Reference.
Can someone steal my identity with my UTR?
Your UTR alone isn't enough to access your account, but treat it as sensitive. Don't post it publicly.
How do I change my UTR?
You can't. It's permanent. If there's an error, contact HMRC.
What if HMRC says I'm not registered?
You may need to register for Self Assessment. This can happen if you assumed registration happened automatically.
Can I file without a UTR?
No. You need your UTR to submit a Self Assessment return.
My UTR letter never arrived—what now?
Log into your HMRC online account to find it, or call HMRC to request a reissue.
Do I need my UTR to pay my tax bill?
Yes. Your UTR is your payment reference. Without it, HMRC may not allocate your payment correctly.
How long does it take to get a UTR?
Typically 10–20 working days after registering for Self Assessment.
Next Steps
Got your UTR? Great. Now make sure you're tracking your income and expenses and know the key deadlines.
Learn more about Payments on Account and how much to set aside for tax.
Back to the Learn hub.
This guide is for general information only. Tax rules change, and everyone's situation is different. Always check the latest HMRC guidance and consider speaking to a qualified accountant if you're unsure.