Security for UTR reminders

HMRC are receiving requests from agents requesting reminders of their clients’ self assessment unique taxpayer reference (UTR). The department says it does not give out such details over the telephone for reasons of taxpayer confidentiality and security. Agents are asked to obtain UTRs directly from their clients.

The references are generated when taxpayers register for self assessment and they are advised of their UTR in a ‘Welcome to self assessment’ letter (SA250) which is copied to agents where one is acting.

The Revenue also reminds advisers that taxpayers only need to file online by the end of January 2011 if they receive a ‘notice to file’ on or before 31 October 2010. These notices also include the taxpayer’s UTR.

HMRC however appreciate that there may be exceptional circumstances when an agent does not have the UTR information in their files or cannot obtain it from...