When you run a limited company in the UK, there are a few key reference numbers you’ll need at various stages, especially for tax reporting and communications with HMRC. Knowing what each one is and where to find them can help you stay compliant and save time.
What Is a Corporation Tax Number?
Your Corporation Tax number (often called your Unique Taxpayer Reference or UTR) is a ten-digit identifier that HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) assigns to your company for all Corporation Tax matters. It’s specific to your business and stays the same throughout the company’s life.
Important: This is not the same as your Company Registration Number (CRN). The CRN comes from Companies House when your company is incorporated.
Why You Need It
You’ll be asked for your Corporation Tax UTR when you:
- Submit your Company Tax Return to HMRC
- Pay Corporation Tax
- Set up or amend online HMRC services
- Register for other taxes like VAT or PAYE
- Speak to HMRC about your company’s tax affairs — they’ll often ask for this number first.
Here’s what you need to know about this number at a glance:
- It’s 10 digits long
- It uniquely identifies your company for Corporation Tax
- It appears on official HMRC correspondence
- It doesn’t change once issued.
Where to Find Your UTR
our Corporation Tax number will usually be in:
- Your HMRC online account (under your company’s tax details)
- Letters or notices about your Corporation Tax
- Any official tax returns you’ve filed previously
If you can’t locate it:
- Ask your accountant — they will have access to it if they file your tax returns
- Use HMRC’s online service to find a lost UTR
- Contact HMRC’s Corporation Tax helpline with your company name, CRN, and registered address
Is That the Same as a Payment Reference?
Not quite. When you make a Corporation Tax payment, HMRC issues a payment reference — this is a separate code, usually 17 characters long, linked to a specific accounting period. Each period has its own payment reference, so be careful to use the correct one when paying to avoid delays. These are often found on:
- Your notice to deliver a tax return
- Reminder letters from HMRC
- The Corporation Tax section of your HMRC online account under “Account statements
Other Numbers Your Company May Have
In addition to your Corporation Tax UTR, your business could use several other identifiers:
| Reference | Purpose |
|---|
| Company Registration Number (CRN) | Issued by Companies House when the company is formed |
| Corporation Tax UTR | HMRC’s tax identifier for your company |
| Corporation Tax Payment Reference | Used when submitting a tax payment for a particular period |
| VAT Registration Number | Given if you’re VAT-registered |
| PAYE Reference | Used if you operate payroll for employees |
| Accounts Office Reference | Identifies where your PAYE payments are made |
Personal UTR vs. Company UTR
If you have your own tax responsibilities (like filing a Self Assessment), you’ll have a personal UTR. That personal number is entirely separate from your company’s Corporation Tax UTR — they shouldn’t be confused.
How Do I Get a Corporation Tax UTR?
n most cases, you won’t have to apply for it manually. Once your company is registered with Companies House, HMRC will normally send your Corporation Tax UTR to your registered business address within a few weeks. If you haven’t received it, you can request it again online or contact HMRC for help.
If you are looking for an accountant to help you with your queries related to your business accounts, Call at 020 35765107 or send a message to book a free consultation. Learn more about our online accounting services and pricing.
Note: It must be noted that the information provided in all our blogs are solely for the awareness purposes and are designed with the intention to create an ease for the reader to understand the rules and their importance. However, it should never be considered as an ultimate replication of rules. RezEx Accountants (RezEx Ltd) does not own any responsibility for any unpleasant event that may arise due to misinterpretation of a specific part or whole of the information.
