How to Get a UTR Number 2026: Step-by-Step Guide

What Is a UTR Number and Why Do Gig Workers Need One?

A Unique Taxpayer Reference (UTR) is a 10-digit number that HMRC uses to identify you personally for all tax matters. It stays the same for your entire life, regardless of how many times you register or deregister as self-employed, change address, or change your business activity.

Every gig worker who needs to file a Self Assessment return — whether you drive for Deliveroo, Uber, Stuart, or Wolt, sell on Etsy, or rent a room on Airbnb — needs a UTR to file that return. Without one, you cannot submit a Self Assessment, even if you've already started earning.

"Your UTR is a 10-digit number. It might just be called 'tax reference'. You'll find it on previous tax returns and other documents from HMRC." — GOV.UK — Find your UTR number

How to Get a UTR Number for the First Time

You cannot apply for a UTR on its own — it is issued automatically as part of registering for Self Assessment. Here's the process:

1. Go to GOV.UK and search "register for Self Assessment" or visit gov.uk/log-in-file-self-assessment-tax-return
2. Select "Register if you're self-employed or a sole trader"
3. Create a Government Gateway account if you don't already have one — you'll need an email address and to verify your identity
4. Complete the CWF1 form online — this asks for your National Insurance number, business details, and the date your self-employment started
5. Submit the registration — HMRC will process it and set up your Self Assessment record
6. Wait for your UTR by post — it arrives in a letter, usually within 10 working days

Once you have your UTR, you'll use it every time you log in to file a return, make a payment, or contact HMRC about your Self Assessment.

How Long Does It Take to Get a UTR Number?

For most people registering from a UK address, the UTR arrives by post within 10 working days of HMRC processing your registration. If you're living abroad when you register, this can take around 21 working days.

Important: register as early as possible. If you wait until close to the 5 October deadline (or worse, close to the 31 January filing deadline) and your UTR is delayed in the post, you may struggle to file on time — and late filing triggers an automatic £100 penalty even if you owe no tax.

How to Find Your UTR If You Already Have One

If you've registered for Self Assessment before — even years ago for a different reason — you already have a UTR and should not register again. Registering twice can cause duplicate records and delays.

You can find an existing UTR in several places:

• Your Personal Tax Account on GOV.UK — log in with your Government Gateway details
• The HMRC app on your phone, if you've set it up
• Previous Self Assessment tax returns — it appears at the top of the form
• Letters from HMRC — including the "Welcome to Self Assessment" letter, payment reminders, and tax calculations
• Your accountant or tax agent, if you've used one before — they will have it on file

What to Do If You've Lost Your UTR

If you cannot find your UTR using any of the methods above, contact HMRC's Self Assessment helpline directly. They can verify your identity and confirm your UTR — they generally won't email or text it for security reasons, but may be able to post a reminder or confirm it over the phone after identity checks.

• Have your National Insurance number ready — this helps HMRC locate your record
• Be prepared to answer security questions to verify your identity
• If you set up a Personal Tax Account previously but forgot your login, use the "forgotten password" or "forgotten user ID" recovery options before calling
• Do not register for Self Assessment again if you already have a UTR — this creates confusion in HMRC's systems and can delay your return being processed correctly

Once you've located your UTR, see HMRC Self Assessment 2026 for the full filing process and deadlines.

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