Laptop on desk with man typing whilst using mobile phone with his other hand

HMRC stop sharing Unique Taxpayer Reference numbers over the phone

6 May, 2025

From 6 May, HMRC will no longer confirm a taxpayer's Unique Taxpayer Reference number (UTR) over the phone - either to taxpayers themselves, or to authorised agents calling on behalf of their clients. 

A UTR number is required for taxpayers in Self-Assessment. Taxpayers needing to check or confirm their UTR number will be advised to use their Personal Tax Account or the HMRC App instead, both of which display the UTR prominently on the homescreen. Taxpayers who are unable to access these resources will need to answer some security questions in order for HMRC to confirm their UTR by post. 

Agents needing to confirm a client's UTR will be advised where it can be found, with postal confirmation available if necessary.

HMRC have introduced these restrictions as part of efforts to keep taxpayer data secure.