HMRC Warns Millions About Critical ’10-Digit Number’

Rowan Ashford

ago 1 hour

HMRC Warns Millions About Critical ’10-Digit Number’

HMRC has issued a crucial warning to millions of taxpayers amid the approaching Self Assessment deadline. Taxpayers must have their 10-digit Unique Taxpayer Reference (UTR) to complete their tax returns on time. As the January 31 deadline approaches, individuals are urged to prepare their submissions to avoid potential penalties.

Why the 10-Digit Unique Taxpayer Reference is Important

The UTR is essential for filing Self Assessment tax returns. Missing the deadline can lead to substantial financial penalties. Here are the immediate fines for late submissions:

£100 fine for any late submission, regardless of whether tax is owed.
Additional £10 daily fine if the return is three months overdue, capped at £900.
5% penalty on the tax owed or £300, whichever is greater, for six months overdue.
Another 5% penalty on the tax owed or £300, whichever is higher, for twelve months overdue.

How to Find Your Unique Taxpayer Reference

HMRC emphasizes the importance of accessing the UTR through its official app. In a recent YouTube message, the department highlighted that this “free and secure” app helps users locate their UTR quickly and easily.

Steps to Access UTR via the HMRC App

The app provides two methods to find your Unique Taxpayer Reference:

First Method: Tap on your details in the app to view your UTR. You can copy and save it safely.
Second Method: Navigate to the main menu under Self Assessment to find your UTR, where you can also copy it directly.

The app also displays vital information regarding tax owed and payment deadlines. This functionality aims to reduce the need for lengthy phone calls, offering taxpayers direct access to their information anytime.

Simplified Access and Security

The HMRC app incorporates modern security features. Users can sign in with a six-digit PIN, facial recognition, or a thumbprint, making access straightforward and secure. It is available for both Android and Apple devices, ensuring that all taxpayers can utilize this resource.

In summary, possessing your 10-digit Unique Taxpayer Reference is critical for timely tax return submissions. Downloading the HMRC app is recommended for easy access to this number and other essential tax information.