I've Just Formed a Company, How Do I Get My UTR (Unique Tax Reference)?

Your company's UTR arrives automatically. HMRC posts it to your registered office within about 2 to 3 weeks of incorporation, and you don't need to apply for it separately. Here's what it is, what to do while you wait, and who to call if it doesn't turn up.

Key Takeaways

• Your UTR is a 10-digit number HMRC issues automatically once Companies House notifies them of your new company.
• It arrives by post to your registered office, not by email, usually within 2 to 3 weeks of incorporation.
• You need it to register for Corporation Tax, which must happen within 3 months of starting to trade.
• If it hasn't arrived within 3 weeks, call HMRC directly, they can't give it to you over the phone, but they'll resend it by post.
• Getting your registered office address right at formation matters, since that's where the letter goes.

What Is a Company UTR?

A UTR, or Unique Taxpayer Reference, is a 10-digit number HMRC assigns to your company for all tax correspondence and filings. You'll use it every time you deal with HMRC about Corporation Tax, so it's worth keeping safe once it arrives.

You don't apply for this separately. Companies House automatically notifies HMRC the moment your company is incorporated, and HMRC issues the UTR from that notification alone.

When Will My UTR Arrive?

Your UTR typically arrives within 2 to 3 weeks of incorporation, sent by post to your company's registered office address. It won't come by email, so don't wait on your inbox for it.

This is why getting your registered office address right at formation genuinely matters. If that address is wrong, out of date, or not properly monitored, your UTR letter can go missing before you ever see it. A registered office address service that forwards mail on reliably avoids this exact problem.

What Do I Do While I Wait?

Nothing, really. The process happens automatically in the background, and there's no faster way to speed it up by contacting anyone before the normal timeframe has passed.

Once it arrives, you'll need the UTR to register for Corporation Tax with HMRC, which is a legal requirement within 3 months of starting to trade, not just from incorporation. Our guide to essential taxes for a new company covers what happens after this step, including current Corporation Tax rates and filing deadlines.

What If My UTR Hasn't Arrived?

If it's been more than 3 weeks since incorporation and nothing's shown up, call HMRC directly rather than waiting longer. They can check your record and resend it.

• UK: 0300 200 3410
• Outside UK: +44 151 268 0571

HMRC will resend the UTR by post to your registered office. They won't read it out to you over the phone, even if you can answer their security questions, so make sure your registered office address is correct and being checked regularly before you call.

What Comes After Your UTR?

Once you have it, the next real step is registering for Corporation Tax within 3 months of starting to trade, and getting VAT or PAYE registration sorted if either applies to your business. Our VAT and PAYE registration support can help with both if you'd rather not manage it directly with HMRC yourself.

It's also worth getting your ongoing compliance sorted early. Our guide to PSCs and the Confirmation Statement covers the other filings your company will need to keep on top of every year.

FAQs

How long does it take to get a company UTR after incorporation?

Usually 2 to 3 weeks. It's posted to your registered office address, not sent by email.

Do I need to apply for my company's UTR separately?

No. Companies House automatically notifies HMRC when your company is incorporated, and HMRC issues the UTR from that notification alone.

What do I do if I haven't received my UTR after 3 weeks?

Call HMRC on 0300 200 3410 (or +44 151 268 0571 from outside the UK). They'll resend it by post to your registered office.

Can HMRC tell me my UTR over the phone?

No. For security reasons, they'll only send it, or resend it, by post to your registered office address.

What do I need my UTR for?

You need it to register for Corporation Tax, which must happen within 3 months of your company starting to trade.

Why does my registered office address matter for getting my UTR?

Because that's exactly where HMRC sends it. If your registered office isn't accurate or properly monitored, the letter can go missing before you ever see it.

This article is for general information only and does not constitute tax or legal advice. HMRC processes and timeframes can change, so it's worth checking current guidance on GOV.UK or speaking to a qualified accountant if you're unsure.