A UTR (Unique Taxpayer Reference) is a ten-digit number HMRC issue to identify you for Self Assessment. It is the reference HMRC use to process a tax return and any refund that comes through it. It is not the same as your National Insurance number.

Yes. Every TaxPro claim is submitted through Self Assessment, so every client needs a UTR, whether you are employed (PAYE), a CIS subcontractor or self-employed.

If you already have one, we just need the number. If you don't, that's completely normal and you don't need to do anything to get it. We register you with HMRC and they post the UTR to your home address, usually within 2 to 3 weeks.

Receiving the letter isn't enough. The number has to reach us before your claim can move, because we can't ask HMRC for permission to act for you without it. This is the single most common reason a claim sits still for weeks.

Two ways to do it, either is fine:

Not sure whether we already have it? Ask us and we'll check your account.

Once we have your UTR we ask HMRC for authorisation to act as your tax agent. HMRC post you a second letter containing an authorisation code, which starts with SA followed by 8 digits, usually within 7 to 10 working days. That code also needs entering, or sending to us, and then your claim can be prepared and submitted.

You can find it in your HMRC online account or the HMRC app, or on any previous Self Assessment correspondence. If you can't find it at all, tell us and we'll help you retrieve it from HMRC.

Your UTR is confidential and unique to you, so keep it safe. We handle everything else: registering you, getting the right references in place, completing the return and dealing with HMRC. No win, no fee, so our percentage only applies once your refund is secured.