UTR Numbers: All You Need to Know in 2023
HMRC uses a UTR number, a 10-digit number unique to you and your business, as an identification factor. Like your National Insurance number, this number remains with you throughout life. If you are self-employed or have formed a limited company, your UTR number is necessary for filing your Self Assessment tax return; additionally, it will help claim refunds of unpaid taxes.
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What is a UTR Number?
A UTR (Unique Taxpayer Reference) number is a 10-digit alphanumeric code issued by HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) in the United Kingdom. It serves as a unique identifier for individuals and entities who must pay taxes or submit tax-related information in the UK. It’s essential to keep your UTR number safe and confidential, as it is sensitive information related to your tax affairs. If you don’t have a UTR number and need one for tax-related purposes, you can typically obtain one by registering with HMRC or contacting their helpline.
UTR Number: What are the Main Uses?

UTR Number: It is Unique to Each Person
A UTR Number is a 10-digit code issued to self-assessment taxpayers and companies by HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) that uniquely identifies each taxpayer. It plays an essential role in your tax records, as you’ll need it when filing your return, claiming a refund, or paying your bill. It is also essential to remember that, unlike a bank account number, a UTR Number does not contain any sensitive information about you or your financial transactions. This makes it both secure and convenient for verifying transactions.
Furthermore, this helps confirm that funds are being transferred into your bank account. Before making any money transfer, always have a Universal Tracking Number (UTR). Without a UTR Number, it will be impossible for you to monitor your transfers’ progress, which may lead to having to wait longer for funds than expected. There are two ways to obtain your UTR Number. You can apply online through your Business Tax account or fill out and post the form directly to HMRC.
Once you have your UTR Number, you can access it whenever necessary. It will assist with completing your Self Assessment tax return, working with accountants, and prepaying taxes in instalments. A UTR number is essential to your tax record and should remain with you throughout life. Having this number handy when dealing with tax-related matters makes it simpler for HMRC to match up records to payments and detect suspicious activity.

UTR Number: Useful Information
They are generated using a mathematical algorithm that considers the date, time of the transaction, the amount transferred, and other details to generate a random reference number. UTR numbers are either 16 or 22 characters in length, depending on the type of transaction. The first four digits represent the sender’s bank code; the remaining ten digits record when and how much was spent. A UTR Number can be viewed on your bank statement through mobile apps or Internet banking services provided by your bank.
Furthermore, check out your transaction history to determine if any RTGS or NEFT transactions have a UTR number attached. Banks typically generate UTRs automatically when you make a payment, providing an excellent way to stay organised and ensure all of your transactions are recorded accurately.
Some useful notes:
- Your UTR Number for HMRC allows you to file tax returns, claim a refund or pay bills. It also serves as an invaluable tool for checking your taxes for errors or discrepancies.
- Your UTR Number can be located in several places, such as your payslip or PAYE coding notice from Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs (HMRC). It’s also printed on official correspondence sent from HMRC.
- Your UTR Number can also be used to track a transfer that’s been held up or rejected. You can find it on the recipient’s bank statement or in an email Wise sent when a transfer occurs.

UTR Numbers: Can Track Financial Transactions
A UTR Number is a unique reference number banks create to identify each financial transaction uniquely. These numbers play a vital role in the banking system, tracking all financial transactions from start to finish. They guarantee that banks keep accurate records and can be utilized for verifying and reconciling payments. These numbers are unique to each payment and can be located on the confirmation page or statement generated after completing a transaction.
This allows you to track the payment status quickly and conveniently, regardless of whether it’s a domestic or international transfer. Payment tracking is an invaluable asset for both sender and recipient of a payment, helping them monitor their funds and determine when they will be received. In case of delays or incorrect amounts being sent out, banks that processed the transaction can use this information to trace back the transaction and rectify any problems. When paying via RTGS or NEFT, your bank will supply you with a UTR number.
You can quickly locate your UTR number on the confirmation page or statement generated after completing an RTGS or NEFT transaction. UTR Numbers are essential to the banking system and help guarantee accurate records for banks, enabling them to verify and reconcile transactions. This makes tracking your transfer faster and more straightforward, regardless of its domestic or international nature. It is issued to NRIs HMRC issues UTR numbers (Unique Tax Identification Numbers) to individuals, partnerships, companies, and trusts. This 10-digit number is a permanent identifier that will remain with you throughout your lifetime, enabling HMRC to monitor and assess your tax obligations.
Once you become self-employed, you will automatically be registered for a UTR number to use Self Assessment or join the Construction Industry Scheme (CIS). It’s best to notify HMRC within three months of opening your business and obtain this number promptly if you are still determining whether or not further assistance will be needed. UTR numbers are issued by banks for IMPS and NEFT transactions, though you can also receive them when transferring between two bank accounts. They appear as a 16 or 22-character code located next to the transaction date on an NRI savings account statement that can be downloaded from the bank’s app or online.

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