UTR Number

[Newchodge]

I have seen a number of posts that imply that if you have a UTR Number you have registered as self employed with HMRC and must, therefore, be a bona fide contractor.

A UTR is a Unique Taxpayers Reference which is given when you register for self assessment. I had one many years ago when I was an employee and had no income other than through PAYE, but had to register for self assessment for some reason that escapes me now.

Is there any justification for the belief in my first paragraph, or is this another HMRC myth?

 

[UKSBD]

Is there a difference between a personal UTR and a Company UTR?

 

[Mr D]

I can have a UTR even in years when not having a self employed or limited business.
Does not prove which businesses are registered - can have multiple self employed businesses at one time, can have none but still need to do tax return.

 

[Newchodge]

Is there a difference between a personal UTR and a Company UTR?

They are different numbers, but they serve the same purpose - Uniquely identifying a taxpayer

 

[UKSBD]

Yes, but is there any difference.
Can people tell from a UTR number whether it belongs to a Limited company or an individual?

 

[Newchodge]

Yes, but is there any difference.
Can people tell from a UTR number whether it belongs to a Limited company or an individual?

I don't think so, they are both a string of the same number of numerals.

 

[UK Contractor Accountant]

What are UTR numbers used for?
Some companies accept a UTR as proof that you are self-employed. UTRs are only proof that you have registered to submit a self-assessment tax return, though.

A UTR number is a ‘unique taxpayer reference’ number. HMRC will issue you with a UTR if you register for self-assessment tax (meaning you’ll need to fill in a tax return). All UTR numbers have 10 digits.

Once you get your UTR number, it stays with you all your life, in the same way as your National Insurance number.

If you stop submitting a self-assessment tax return, your UTR number becomes dormant, but if you start again it’s reactivated.

 

[STDFR33]

The same UTR doesn’t necessarily stay with you for life.

 

[UK Contractor Accountant]

The same UTR doesn’t necessarily stay with you for life.

do you get a new one in your second life

 

[SteveHa]

Bankruptcy can trigger a change.

 

[STDFR33]

do you get a new one in your second life

In your second financial life after a bankruptcy?

 

[STDFR33]

Bankruptcy can trigger a change.

Just beat me to the punch!

 

[SteveHa]

Just beat me to the punch!