How Do I Find My Corporation Tax Reference Number
Updated: Mar 19
What is Corporation Tax Reference Number in the UK?
The Corporation Tax reference number is a unique identifier assigned to companies and organizations in the UK that are registered for Corporation Tax. This number is used by HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) to identify and track the tax affairs of the company or organization.
The Corporation Tax reference number is a 10-digit number that is made up of a combination of letters and numbers. The first two characters are usually the letters "UT", which stands for "Unique Taxpayer". The next six characters are unique reference numbers for the company or organization, allocated by HMRC. The final two characters represent the tax office that deals with the company or organization's Corporation Tax affairs.
It is important for companies and organizations to have their Corporation Tax reference number available when communicating with HMRC about their tax affairs, as this number is used to identify the business and ensure that the correct tax records are being accessed.
How To Find Your Corporation Tax Reference Number
Finding your corporation tax reference number in the United Kingdom (UK) is a relatively straightforward process. The corporation tax reference number, also known as the Unique Taxpayer Reference (UTR), is a 10-digit number that is assigned to your company by HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) and is used to identify your company for tax purposes.
The first step in finding your corporation tax reference number is to check your company's incorporation documents. When your company was first incorporated, HMRC would have assigned a corporation tax reference number, and this number should be included in the incorporation documents. If you cannot find the number in the incorporation documents, you can contact Companies House and ask them for the UTR.
If you are a new company and haven't yet received a UTR, you can obtain one by registering your company for corporation tax with HMRC. This can be done by completing a CT41G form, which is available on the HMRC website. Once the form is completed, it should be sent to HMRC, which will then assign a corporation tax reference number to your company.
Another way to find your corporation tax reference number is by accessing your company's online account with HMRC. If your company has an online account with HMRC, you can log in to the account and find the UTR under the "Your Account" or "Company Details" section.
If you have lost or forgotten your corporation tax reference number, you can contact HMRC's Corporation Tax helpline at 0300 200 3410. The helpline is open Monday to Friday, 8 am to 8 pm, and Saturday, 8 am to 4 pm. You will need to provide some personal and company details such as the company's name, registered address, and the date of incorporation to verify the company.
It's also worth noting that if your company is part of a group, it will have a different corporation tax reference number from the parent company. It is important to ensure that you have the correct reference number for the specific company you are enquiring about.
What Is the Format of the Corporation Tax Reference Number?
The Corporation Tax reference number in the UK is a 10-digit number that is unique to each company or organization that is registered for Corporation Tax. The format of the Corporation Tax reference number is as follows:
The first two characters are usually the letters "UT", which stands for "Unique Taxpayer"
The next six characters are a unique reference number for the company or organization, allocated by HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC)
The final two characters represent the tax office that deals with the company or organization's Corporation Tax affairs
Therefore, the format of a UK Corporation Tax reference number typically looks like this: UT123456A01, where "123456" is the unique reference number for the company, and "A01" is the tax office reference. It's important to note that the exact format of the Corporation Tax reference number may vary slightly depending on the circumstances of the company or organization.
Is Corporation Tax Number the Same as the VAT Number?
No, the Corporation Tax reference number is not the same as the VAT number in the UK.
The Corporation Tax reference number is a unique identifier assigned to companies and organizations in the UK that are registered for Corporation Tax. This number is used by HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) to identify and track the tax affairs of the company or organization.
On the other hand, the VAT number is a unique identifier assigned to businesses in the UK that are registered for Value Added Tax (VAT). This number is used by HMRC to identify and track VAT payments made by the business.
While both the Corporation Tax reference number and the VAT number are important for businesses operating in the UK, they are separate and distinct identifiers that are used for different purposes. It is common for a business to have both a Corporation Tax reference number and a VAT number, but they are not the same and should not be confused with each other.
In summary, finding your corporation tax reference number in the UK can be done by checking your company's incorporation documents, registering your company for corporation tax with HMRC, accessing your company's online account with HMRC, or by contacting HMRC's Corporation Tax helpline. It's important to have the correct corporation tax reference number as it is used to identify your company for tax purposes.