Find Your Corporation Tax and Company Reference Numbers

You’ll need your Corporation Tax and company reference numbers every time you file or update information on behalf of your company – such as when you submit your Company Tax Return. In this article we’ll explain what a Corporation Tax number is – and where you can find yours.

What is a Corporation Tax Number?

A Corporation Tax number (also referred to as a Corporation Tax Reference number) is a ten-digit code issued by HMRC which identifies your UK limited company for any matters relating to Corporation Tax. You might also see this referred to as your company’s Unique Taxpayer Reference (UTR) number.

This number is unique to your company, meaning HMRC will be able to identify your company without any mix-ups. It is not the same as your Company Registration Number (CRN), which is issued by Companies House.

What do I need my Corporation Tax Number for?

You’ll need your Corporation Tax number for things like:

Filing returns: When you submit your Company Tax Return to HMRC
Making payments: For example, paying your Corporation Tax bill
Any communication with HMRC: For instance, calling or writing to HMRC regarding your tax affairs
Online services: Like accessing your HMRC online account
Registering for other taxes: Such as signing your company up for VAT or PAYE
Your accountant or agent: Your accountant or tax agent will need your Corporation Tax number to manage your company’s tax obligations

Your UK Corporation Tax (UTR) number at a glance

10 digits long
Used to identify your company’s Corporation Tax record, such as when you submit your Company Tax Return
Used when logging into HMRC services for your company
Stays the same for the lifetime of the company

Where can I find my Corporation Tax Number?

Thankfully, your Corporation Tax number shouldn’t be too hard to find. The easiest way to find it is by logging into your HMRC account or checking old HMRC letters/returns. It’ll most likely be on tax documents on your online portal – or on any correspondence regarding your company tax return.

What to do if you still can’t find your Corporation Tax Number

Ask your accountant: If they deal with your Company Tax return, they’ll have access to your Corporation Tax number (otherwise they wouldn’t be able to file your return for you)
Request it online: You can use the HMRC ‘find a lost UTR’ service
Contact HMRC: Call the HMRC Corporation Tax helpline on 0300 200 3410 (for this you’ll need your company name, your registration number (CRN) and registered office address)

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Is a Corporation Tax (UTR) Number different to a Corporation Tax payment reference?

Yes, although they’re often confused! A Corporation Tax payment reference is a 17-character reference which relates to a Corporation Tax payment for a specific accounting period.

The reference changes every accounting period, so be sure you’re using the right one each time you pay. If you normally pay your Corporation Tax by bank transfer and have saved HMRC as a payee, your bank may automatically fill in the reference from your last payment. Make sure you update it with the correct reference for the period you are paying for!

You can find your Corporation Tax payment reference:

On your notice to deliver your tax return or any reminder letters from HMRC
In your HMRC online account: Choose ‘View Corporation Tax statement’, then ‘Accounting periods’, and select the right period

Using the wrong reference can delay your payment, so it’s vital you double-check this before sending.

What other reference numbers do limited companies have?

Limited companies often have several tax reference numbers they need to keep note of. You’ll have more if, for example, you’re VAT-registered or have employees.

The table below describes the different types of reference number your limited company might have.

Reference	What it’s for	Appearance
Company Registration Number	Issued by Companies House when the company is incorporated	In England & Wales: 01234567 Scotland: SC123456 Northern Ireland: NI123456
Corporation Tax Reference number	Issued by HMRC to identify your company when it comes to your Corporation Tax. Also called a company UTR, it lasts the lifetime of your company	10 digits 1234567890
Corporation Tax Payment Reference	Issued by HMRC for making Corporation Tax payments. A unique code will be issued for each accounting period.	17 digits 1234567890OCT0125
VAT Registration Number	Issued by HMRC if your company is VAT registered. You’ll use it when you submit VAT returns. It usually stays the same, unless (for example) the company is transferred.	9 digits GB123456789
PAYE Reference Number	This identifies the company’s PAYE scheme if the company has employees and needs to report payroll information to HMRC	A tax office number followed by a unique employer reference 123/AB45678
Accounts Office Reference Number	This identifies the PAYE payments you make, rather than the PAYE scheme you’re filing for.	13 digits 123PA00012345

Will my personal UTR number be different from my Corporation Tax UTR number?

Yes, your personal UTR number will be different from your Corporation Tax number. Each reference number is distinct to the type of tax you owe. So, your personal UTR number will be for your personal tax. For example, if you are reporting any personal earnings through Self Assessment you’ll need your personal UTR. Your Corporation Tax number relates to your limited company’s taxes. Don’t mix them up!

How do I apply for a Corporation Tax number?

You’ll need to register your company with Companies House which, in most cases, automatically registers your company for Corporation Tax too. Companies House will send you your Company Reference Number (CRN), and around 3 weeks after your company is formed, HMRC will send a letter to your registered office address with your 10-digit UTR.

Learn more about our online accounting services for limited companies. Call 020 3355 4047 to chat to the team, and get an instant online quote.