{"id":11054,"date":"2023-11-16T10:40:48","date_gmt":"2023-11-16T10:40:48","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.qualitycompanyformations.co.uk\/blog\/?p=11054"},"modified":"2024-09-15T15:13:46","modified_gmt":"2024-09-15T14:13:46","slug":"first-hmrc-letter","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.qualitycompanyformations.co.uk\/blog\/first-hmrc-letter\/","title":{"rendered":"A company\u2019s first HMRC letter: What you need to know and do"},"content":{"rendered":"

Approximately 2 weeks after forming your limited company, HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) will send a double-sided letter titled \u2018Corporation Tax: Company Unique Taxpayer Reference (UTR)\u2019 to your company\u2019s registered office address. <\/span><\/p>\n

In this article, we cover the need-to-know information about the first letter a company receives from HMRC, including its purpose, the information included within it, and what you need to do.<\/span><\/p>\n

What is this HMRC letter for?<\/h3>\n

The purpose of the letter is to provide you with your company\u2019s Unique Taxpayer Reference (UTR), your Tax Office number, and instructions on registering your business for Corporation Tax.<\/p>\n

The Unique Taxpayer Reference is a 10-digit number that will be required for all future correspondence with HMRC, such as filing your tax returns and paying Corporation Tax. The UTR is formatted as follows: 12345 67891<\/p>\n

  • \r\n How Corporation Tax works<\/span><\/a>\r\n <\/li>\r\n
  • \r\n Preparing a Company Tax Return – a simple guide<\/span><\/a>\r\n <\/li>\r\n <\/p>\n

    We recommend making a note of your UTR and storing it in a secure place. You should only share your company\u2019s UTR with HMRC and trusted individuals\/businesses assisting you. For example, a company formation agent or accountant.<\/p>\n

    The Tax Office number is a 3-digit number that indicates the particular tax office that will be handling your company\u2019s tax matters. Again, we recommend writing down your Tax Office number for future reference.<\/p>\n

    The remainder of the letter comprises instructions on registering your business for Corporation Tax. This is the section of the letter that requires you to take action (other than note down a reference\/number).\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

    What are the Corporation Tax instructions?<\/h3>\n

    Companies are required to register for Corporation Tax within 3 months of starting any business activity. The HMRC letter looks at the possible scenarios and sets out what you need to do.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

    Here we\u2019ll summarise the information.<\/span><\/p>\n

    Companies formed directly with GOV.UK using the \u2018Set up a limited company and register for Corporation Tax\u2019 service\u00a0<\/span><\/h4>\n