UTR Registration
No UTR? Get one free from HMRC.
To file a Self Assessment you need a Unique Taxpayer Reference (UTR). You get it by registering for Self Assessment directly with HMRC: it is free, takes about ten minutes, and since September 2026 the UTR usually arrives within 72 hours.
FreeDirectly with HMRC
- ✓Have your National Insurance number ready
- ✓Sign in to your HMRC personal tax account (Government Gateway or GOV.UK One Login) and register for Self Assessment
- ✓Your UTR usually arrives within 72 hours, by email or text, and shows in the HMRC app
- ✓Add it to A.X.E.L in Settings, Tax, and file your Self Assessment from there
- ✓Register by 5 October after the first tax year you need to file for
Opens GOV.UK. A.X.E.L does not charge for this.
Already have a UTR? See your Self Assessment filing options