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There are a lot of individuals and businesses paying tax in the UK. A Tax Identification Number (also known as TIN, or often referred to as a TIN number) allows HMRC to identify taxpayers and monitor things like their tax obligations.

We’ll take a look at the different types of TIN numbers, what they mean, and where you can find them.

What is a TIN?

A Tax Identification Number is a unique number (or sometimes a combination of numbers and letters) that identifies you or your business for tax purposes. Despite the name, they’re often referred to as a TIN number.

Your TIN isn’t one specific thing. In the UK it’s an umbrella term for all the different types of identification numbers relating to your personal tax or your business’ tax.

The most common ones are your UTR number or your National Insurance Number, but it can also refer to things like your VAT registration number or your employer PAYE reference number.

If you haven’t heard of a TIN number before, it’s because the phrase isn’t commonly used in the UK. You’ll usually be asked for your Tax Identification Number if you are working with foreign businesses or tax authorities in places like the US and Europe.

If you are working internationally, your TIN Number can also be your resident registration number, your social security number, or even your citizen’s or personal identification code.

Why do we need TIN numbers?

Tax Identification Numbers have several uses in the UK.

Tracking tax obligations

There are a lot of taxpayers, and without anything in place to identify individuals and entities paying tax in the UK, things would get a little messy.

Having a TIN number means HMRC can monitor tax liabilities more easily, such as tracking income tax payments and National Insurance contributions. It also helps them navigate things like refunds if you’ve paid too much tax.

TIN numbers play a large part in keeping everyone compliant!

Identifying taxpayers

Every individual and entity that pays tax will have their own unique TIN number.

In the UK, self-employed individuals and businesses must have a Unique Taxpayer Reference number (UTR) from HMRC so they can submit tax returns and pay taxes. Individuals who are employed will have a National Insurance number. Both of these are classed as TIN numbers and help HMRC identify your records quickly.

Because your TIN number is uniquely yours, it’s less likely HMRC will get accounts muddled using that then if they were to identify people purely by name or address.

Assisting HMRC

TIN numbers help HMRC streamline their operations. Having them means their audit and reporting processes are more accurate, and they can enforce tax laws and conduct investigations when needed.

Where do I get a TIN number?

It depends on what you need the TIN for. For instance, someone who’s employed will need different TIN numbers to someone who owns a limited company. It all boils down to your employment status and business’s legal structure, as well as other factors like whether you have employees or whether you’re VAT-registered.

Obtaining a TIN as a limited company

Limited companies are a separate entity to the people who own and run them, so it will need its own Unique Taxpayer Reference (UTR) to submit a Company Tax Return, as well as a Company Reference Number (CRN). You can get these by registering the company with Companies House – a process known as incorporation.

Because the company is separate to the people in it, you’ll need a completely separate UTR for your personal tax affairs. You might also have multiple UTR numbers if you register more than one limited company.

Obtaining a TIN as a sole trader

Unlike limited companies which are separate, sole traders are their business. You’ll need to register for Self Assessment so you can report your earnings and pay the right amount of tax.

You’ll receive your Unique Taxpayer Reference (UTR) number via post within 15 days, but you’ll usually find it much quicker in your personal tax account online.

Obtaining a TIN number as a partnership

Limited Liability Partnerships (LLPs) are similar to limited companies in that they’re registered with Companies House, so they have a CRN number, as well as their own UTR number.

A general partnership is registered with HMRC, and will have its own UTR number.

Obtaining a TIN number as an individual

Most UK citizens automatically receive their National Insurance Number (NINo) 12 weeks before their 16th birthday.

You can also apply online if you need to, as long as you have the right to live and work in the UK. Don’t worry if you’ve received a job offer and don’t have your NI number yet. As long as you can prove you have the right to work in the UK and that you have applied for your NI number, you can begin working.

Apply for a National Insurance Number here.

Where can I find my TIN Number?

This depends on what sort of tax ID number you need, although you’ll normally find it shown on any HMRC correspondence. The sections below go into more detail about the most common TINs in the UK, what they look like and where you’ll find them.

UTR number

If you’re a sole trader or individual, your UTR number is a 10-digit number, usually followed by the letter ‘K’. A company UTR number is a little longer, and starts with a 3-digit number followed by a 10-digit number, and then the letter ‘A’.

You can find your UTR number on letters you’ve received from HMRC, or by logging into your personal tax account.

Company registration number

Your CRN is usually made up of eight numbers, or two letters followed by six numbers. This depends on things like your company structure, or where it was incorporated.

For instance

In England and Wales a CRN is typically eight numbers, such as 23567975. CRNs in Scotland begin with the letters ‘SC’ followed by 6 numbers, for example: SC346789.

You can usually find it on things like your certificate of incorporation or in any letters or emails you’ve received from Companies House.

Employer identification number

Also known as an Employee Reference Number (ERN), this typically starts with a 3-digit HMRC office number, followed by 1-2 letters, and then 1-6 digits. For example, 123/C54321.

You can find your ERN Number in your employer welcome pack, or as an employee it’ll be on things like payslips, P60s, and P45s. You might also see it referred to as your PAYE reference, or a Tax Reference Number.

Any business or individuals hiring staff must register for an ERN before their employee’s first payday. You can register as an employer here.

National Insurance number

A National Insurance number is made up of two letters, 6 numbers and a final letter of either A, B, C or D.

You’ll find it on things like your payslip, P60, or online through the HMRC app. If you struggle to remember it and tend to lose your NI number, try adding it to your Apple or Google wallet!

VAT registration number

Your VAT number starts with the letter ‘GB’ followed by 9 numbers unique to your business. For example, GB 321 7645 98. If your business is based in Northern Ireland, your VAT number will begin with ‘XI’ instead of ‘GB.’

You’ll be able to find your VAT number on things like your VAT registration certificate or VAT returns, but if you can’t find it – contact HMRC.

 
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About The Author

Rachael Anderson

A creative content writer specialising across business, finance and software topics. I have a love for all things writing, and creating engaging, easy to understand content that helps everyday people!

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