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The Daily Insight

Can I get UTR number over the phone?

Author

Emma Newman

Updated on March 06, 2026

One of the quickest ways to get a UTR number is by applying online and registering as self-employed. As soon as you register for self-assessment or set up a limited company, you will automatically be issued a UTR number. You can also call HMRC on 0300 200 3310 to ask about your UTR number.

In this regard, how can I get my UTR number quickly?

One of the quickest ways to get a UTR number is by applying online and registering as self-employed. This can be done on HMRC's website. As soon as you register for self-assessment or set up a limited company, you will automatically be issued a UTR number.

Similarly, how can I get my UTR number online?

  1. register for HMRC's online service.
  2. after registering, HMRC will send you your UTR number and ask you to enrol for Self Assessment (this takes about a week)
  3. then log back in to HMRC and enrol for Self Assessment.
  4. after enrolment, HMRC will send your UTR activation code in the post (another week)

Keeping this in view, can you get UTR over the phone?

Apply over the phone: you can call HMRC on 0300 200 3310 to ask about your UTR number. You may have to provide some details, and they may still direct you to apply online. Apply by post: you can write to HMRC to request a UTR number.

Can I get a UTR number today?

If you've filed a return online before

You'll need your 10-digit Unique Taxpayer Reference ( UTR ) from when you registered before. You can find your UTR if you do not know it. You'll receive a letter with a new account activation code 10 days later (21 if you're abroad).

Related Question Answers

Do I need a UTR number to get paid?

A Unique Taxpayer Reference (UTR) number is required by all sole traders, partnerships and limited companies in the UK.

Is my UTR number on my payslip?

Your UTR can typically be found on any self-assessment forms such as a statement or tax returns you submit to HMRC. If you have a pay slip or PAYE coding notice from HMRC to hand, your UTR should be on there. This number will not change, so don't worry if your pay-slip is 10 years old.

How do I check my UTR status?

There are two ways you can check the status of a transaction with UTR:
  1. Visit your internet banking account or the mobile app of your bank. In the past transfers section, search for the required transfer with your UTR number and the status of the transaction should be displayed.
  2. Call the bank customer care.

How does UTR number look like?

A UTR or Unique Transaction Reference number is a reference number for identifying an NEFT, IMPS or RTGS transaction. Every bank in India uses UTR numbers for all local modes of money transfer and they are beneficial for recipients in case there has been no recent update or credit corresponding to your transaction.

Is a UTR number only for self-employed?

The only people who need UTR numbers are those who file Self-Assessment tax returns—that means that they've either set up a limited company or they're self-employed.

What are the steps to get a UTR number?

You'll then need to complete the following steps:
  1. Visit the HMRC website and choose the option to “Register Onlineâ€;
  2. Set up your HMRC online account so you can manage your taxes online;
  3. Enrol for self-assessment online;
  4. Wait for your UTR number to be posted to you (can take up to 10 days)

How long does it take to get a UTR number online?

Generally HMRC will issue your UTR within 3-4 weeks, it can be quicker but sometime it takes a little longer. It's all dependant on how business HMRC are, they do say that it can take up to 8 weeks.

Is UTR number same as CIS number?

They are both the same reference, a ten digit number e.g. “1234567890â€. Are you looking to start in the CIS industry? Claim your UTR number without delay to avoid paying higher rate Tax charges.

Can you be employed and self-employed?

Yes. You can be employed and self-employed at the same time. This would usually be the case if you were doing two jobs. For example, if you work for yourself as a hairdresser during the day but in the evenings you work as a receptionist in a hotel, you will be both self-employed and employed.

What does UTR stand for?

Unique Taxpayer Reference numbers

Is tax reference the same as UTR?

Save The Dates for Annual Filing Requirements

Unique Tax Reference (UTR) is a 10-digit number provided by HMRC when a person registers for self-assessment or sets up a Limited Company. They are called the same and are both 10 digits long, but your company's UTR and your own one are different.

How long does a UTR number take?

HMRC states that it can take up to 10 working days to receive your UTR number, and you'll then have to wait up to an additional 10 working days to receive an activation code.

When should I register as self-employed?

According to HMRC, you should register at the earliest opportunity. However, there's a deadline – legally you need to register by 5 October after the end of the tax year in which you became self-employed. For example, if you started your business in July 2018, you'd need to register with HMRC by 5 October 2019.

What is classed as self-employed?

A person is self-employed if they run their business for themselves and take responsibility for its success or failure. Someone can be both employed and self-employed at the same time, for example if they work for an employer during the day and run their own business in the evenings.

Where is my UTR number on letter?

Your UTR number is on some of the letters that HMRC sends you if you have registered a company or you signed up directly as a self-employed person. It's a 10 digit code and is part of the reference number on some of the letters they send you.

Do limited companies have a UTR number?

A company's Unique Taxpayer Reference, or UTR, is a distinct 10-digit number that HMRC issues to all new limited companies. These UTRs are used to identify companies for all tax-related purposes.

How do I find my UK UTR number?

You can check your own UTR number by calling HMRC on 0300 200 3310 or by going online. UTR numbers are highly confidential since they are used by HMRC as part of the identification process when accessing information about an individuals taxes.

Do I need to register as self employed UK?

Self-employed people have to register with HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) to pay tax. This won't register you as self employed for benefits purposes. There is no one way to register as self employed for benefits.