GuidesWhat you need before you file (UTR, Government Gateway and more)

What you need before you file (UTR, Government Gateway and more)

Gathering a few details before you start makes the filing quick and straightforward. Here is the checklist, and where each item comes from.

Your company details

Your company name and registration number — the eight-character number issued by Companies House.

The accounting period your return covers, which is usually your company’s financial year.

Your Corporation Tax UTR

Your UTR (Unique Taxpayer Reference) is a 10-digit number HMRC uses to identify your company for Corporation Tax.

You will find it on letters from HMRC about Corporation Tax, or in your company’s HMRC online account. Note that it is different from your personal UTR.

Your Government Gateway login

This is the user ID and password you use to sign in to HMRC online services for the company. OneFiler uses it to submit your return, and never stores it in plain text.

If you have never set one up, you can create one through HMRC — you will need it to file at all, whichever software you use.

Your figures

Your year-end figures — income, expenses and the balance sheet position.

If your bookkeeping is in QuickBooks or Xero, you can import these directly rather than entering them manually.

Common questions

I have lost my company UTR — what do I do?

You can request a copy of your Corporation Tax UTR from HMRC online, and it will be posted to the company’s registered office. Check old HMRC letters first — the UTR appears on most Corporation Tax correspondence.

Is my personal UTR the same as my company’s?

No. If you file a personal Self Assessment return you will have your own UTR, but the company has a separate 10-digit UTR of its own. The company return must use the company’s UTR.

Related guides

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