How to Get Your UTR Number as a Self-Employed Worker in the UK

If you’re starting your journey as a self-employed worker in the UK, you’re probably wondering how to get your UTR number as a self-employed individual in the UK. This number, known as the Unique Taxpayer Reference (UTR), is essential for filing your taxes correctly with HMRC (His Majesty’s Revenue and Customs). While the process isn’t complicated, making mistakes or delaying it can lead to penalties or setbacks in your business activities.

That’s why, in this article, we’ll guide you step by step on how to get your UTR number as a self-employed worker in the UK, what documents you need, why it’s so important, and what to do if you haven’t received it yet.

What Is a UTR Number and Why Do You Need It?

Before diving into the details of how to get your UTR number as a self-employed worker in the UK, it’s crucial to understand what this number actually is. You can visit Max Sociedades or Mega Sociedades for more information.

The UTR is a unique 10-digit identifier that HMRC assigns to every individual who needs to file a Self Assessment tax return. Essentially, it’s your tax ID as a self-employed worker in the UK.

You’ll need this number to:

Register for Self Assessment
Declare your income
Pay your taxes
Fulfill your tax obligations

So, if you’re working as a freelancer, consultant, contractor, or any other type of self-employed professional, knowing how to get your UTR number as a self-employed worker in the UK is absolutely essential.

Step 1: Register as Self-Employed with HMRC

The first step in getting your UTR number as a self-employed worker in the UK is to officially register as self-employed with HMRC. You can do this online through the UK government’s official website. You can visit Max Sociedades or Mega Sociedades for more information.

To complete the registration, you’ll need:

Your full name and current UK address
Your date of birth
Your National Insurance Number (NIN)
Details about your business activity

Once you submit your registration, HMRC will begin the process of assigning your UTR number. You must do this as soon as you start self-employed work—or at least within the first three months of beginning your business activity.

Step 2: Wait for Your UTR Letter in the Mail

After registering, HMRC will send you a letter by post to the address you provided. This letter contains your UTR number.

Important notes:

Processing usually takes 7 to 10 working days, but sometimes up to three weeks.
Make sure to check your mail regularly and confirm that HMRC has your correct address.
Many self-employed workers struggle with how to get their UTR number as a self-employed worker in the UK simply because they didn’t receive this letter on time or provided an incorrect address.

Step 3: Check if You Already Have a UTR

Another key point when learning how to get your UTR number as a self-employed worker in the UK is to verify if you already have one.

If you’ve been self-employed before—even briefly—you might already have a UTR. In that case, you don’t need a new one; you just need to reactivate your Self Assessment using your existing number.

You can find your UTR in:

Previous tax returns
Letters from HMRC
Your online tax account

What If You Don’t Receive Your UTR?

If it’s been more than three weeks since you registered and you still haven’t received your UTR, don’t panic. You can:

Contact HMRC by phone
Check your online tax account

They can confirm if your UTR has been issued and resend the letter if necessary.

This is a crucial step in how to get your UTR number as a self-employed worker in the UK, as working without proper registration can lead to legal and financial consequences.

Can You Work Without a UTR?

Technically, you can start working while waiting for your UTR, but you won’t be able to file your tax return without it. Additionally, many clients or agencies will ask for your UTR to register you in their systems or process payments.

That’s why, if you’re figuring out how to get your UTR number as a self-employed worker in the UK, it’s best to start the process as early as possible—even before landing your first client. For more information, you can visit https://www.ukstartcompany.com/

Conclusion

In summary, understanding how to get your UTR number is a fundamental step to working legally as a freelancer or contractor in the UK. For more information, you can visit https://www.ukstartcompany.com/

The process requires:

Registering with HMRC on time
Waiting for your UTR letter
Checking if you already have one

By following these steps correctly, you can start your self-employed journey smoothly and in full compliance with UK tax laws.

Now that you know how to get your UTR number you’re ready to take the next step in your business journey.