Finding your UTR and NINO (National Insurance Number)

How to find your Unique Taxpayer Reference (UTR)

Your Unique Taxpayer Reference (UTR) is a 10‑digit number that HMRC uses to identify you as an individual for Self Assessment.

You’ll need your UTR to:

• file a Self Assessment tax return
• contact HMRC about your tax
• use tax software or share details with an accountant

Below are the easiest ways to find it.

What your UTR looks like

An individual UTR:

• is 10 digits long
• may appear followed by the letter K (the K is not part of the UTR but is added as part of payment references)

Example: 1234567890 or 1234567890 K

Your UTR doesn't change from year to year.

In untied

If you have been using untied, you can find it in your Tax Profile:

1. In the untied Pro mobile app on Android and iOS, navigate to Profile -> HMRC details

2. In untied Pro online or untied lite, navigate to Profile or Tax Profile via the menu. You may need to scroll down

Check letters from HMRC

HMRC sends your UTR by post when you first register for Self Assessment.

Look for letters such as:

• “Welcome to Self Assessment”
• “Notice to file a tax return”
• “Statement of account”

Your UTR is usually shown near the top of the letter.

Sign in to your HMRC online account

If you have a Government Gateway account:

1. Sign in to your HMRC online account.
2. Go to Self Assessment.
3. Your UTR will be shown in your account details or on the Self Assessment overview screen.

This is often the quickest way to find it if you already have access.

Check previous tax returns or documents

If you’ve filed a tax return before, your UTR will appear on:

• a submitted Self Assessment tax return
• payment reminders or statements of account
• other official HMRC correspondence

If you can’t find your UTR

If you’ve registered for Self Assessment but can’t find your UTR, you can ask HMRC for a reminder.

HMRC will usually:

• send your UTR by post to the address they have on record
• ask you to confirm your identity first

For security reasons, UTRs are rarely given by email.

If you don’t have a UTR yet

You won’t have a UTR unless you’ve registered for Self Assessment.

You may need to register if you:

• are self‑employed or a sole trader
• earn income not taxed automatically (eg rental income)
• need to submit a tax return for any other reason

Once registered, HMRC will post your UTR to you, usually within a few weeks.

Keep your UTR safe

Your UTR is sensitive personal information. You will need it for dealing with HMRC, for any accountant or other adviser, and in untied.

Once you’ve found it:

• store it securely
• avoid sharing it unless necessary (it shouldn't be needed by regular employers or platforms you earn on)
• you are likely to need to share it with a contractor if you are a subcontractor under the construction industry scheme

How to find your National Insurance Number (NINO)

Your National Insurance number (often called a NINO) is a unique identifier used by HMRC and the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP). It links you to your tax, National Insurance contributions, and certain benefits.

You may need your NINO when:

• starting a job
• completing tax or benefits forms
• signing up to government services
• contacting HMRC or DWP

Below are the easiest ways to find it.

What your NINO looks like

A National Insurance number:

• has 2 letters, 6 numbers, and 1 final letter
• is printed with spaces for clarity

Example: QQ 12 34 56 A

Your NINO never changes.

In untied

If you have been using untied, you can find it in your Tax Profile:

1. In the untied Pro mobile app on Android and iOS, navigate to Profile -> HMRC details

2. In untied Pro online or untied lite, navigate to Profile or Tax Profile via the menu. You may need to scroll down

Check official letters and documents

Your NINO appears on many official documents, including:

• letters from HMRC
• letters about benefits, pensions, or student finance
• payslips and P60s from your employer

If you’ve ever worked or claimed benefits in the UK, one of these documents may already have it.

Check your payslip or P60

If you’re employed:

• your payslip often shows your NINO near your personal details
• your P60 (end‑of‑year summary) always includes it

Digital payslips and HR portals usually display your NINO as well.

Use your HMRC online account

If you have a Government Gateway account:

1. Sign in to your personal tax account.
2. Go to Personal details or National Insurance.
3. Your NINO will be shown on screen.

This is often the quickest option if you have access.

Check the HMRC app

If you use the HMRC app:

• your NINO is shown on the home screen once you’re signed in
• you can also find it under your personal details

If you cannot find your NINO

If you’ve lost your NINO and cannot find it on any documents, you can ask HMRC to remind you.

HMRC will:

• confirm your identity
• usually send your NINO by post

For security reasons, they won’t normally send it by email and may not give it out over the phone.

If you’ve never had a NINO

Most people receive their NINO automatically around age 16.

You’ll need to apply for one if:

• you moved to the UK and plan to work
• you’ve never been issued one
• you need one for benefits or work and don’t have it

Once approved, HMRC or DWP will send it to you by post.

Keep your NINO safe

Your National Insurance number is sensitive personal information. Once you’ve found it:

• store it securely
• avoid sharing it unless necessary
• be cautious when entering it online