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Unique tax Reference query

Hi
Im self employed at the moment working for a travel company. They keep hassling me for my unique tax reference all the time. I have friends who do the same sort of job for other companys who dont have to provide this, so I dont see why my company would need mine.
Anyone shed any light on this please? I feel if Im self employed, pay my own tax and national insurance why shold I give them this information?
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Comments

  • mountainofdebt
    mountainofdebt Posts: 7,795 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 1,000 Posts Combo Breaker
    Have you asked them why they need it?

    I know that this info is needed for people who are registered with the contractor scheme so that the company can submit their CIS returns - perhaps its for a similar reason?
    2014 Target;
    To overpay CC by £1,000.
    Overpayment to date : £310

    2nd Purse Challenge:
    £15.88 saved to date
  • It is evidence that you have registered as self-employed: one client asked me to put it on the invoices that I submitted to them. The contractor scheme was not involved.
    Who having known the diamond will concern himself with glass?

    Rudyard Kipling


  • minxtress
    minxtress Posts: 774 Forumite
    Yes I asked them why and they just say for their records. I am just dubious as to why? I dont suppose it will have anything to do with tax as I pay my own, well will be when I have fathomed out how to fill in the form!!
  • mountainofdebt
    mountainofdebt Posts: 7,795 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 1,000 Posts Combo Breaker
    It is evidence that you have registered as self-employed: one client asked me to put it on the invoices that I submitted to them. The contractor scheme was not involved.

    Is it ?

    I only ask as my OH has a UTR and he isn't self employed.

    As far as I was aware an UTR is a reference dreamed up by HMRC and is on all communications .....had a right old ding dong with them last year as I had to wait a fortnight for them to send me it only to be told it could be found on any communication from them.
    2014 Target;
    To overpay CC by £1,000.
    Overpayment to date : £310

    2nd Purse Challenge:
    £15.88 saved to date
  • minxtress
    minxtress Posts: 774 Forumite
    Is it ?

    I only ask as my OH has a UTR and he isn't self employed.

    As far as I was aware an UTR is a reference dreamed up by HMRC and is on all communications .....had a right old ding dong with them last year as I had to wait a fortnight for them to send me it only to be told it could be found on any communication from them.

    From my understanding it is only for the self employed and is issued when you register as such but takes up to 8weeks to arrive. When you ring the helpline it states that it isnt on all correspondance from them but that you are sent it on an individual letter and have to keep a note of it.
  • I first got an UTR in the acknowledgement letter that arrived after I had registered as self employed. I assumed that it was issued as confirmation of my new status.

    Only one client has ever asked for it to be put on my invoices, just to cover themselves. If a freelancer does not pay income tax on their earnings, the client might be liable if HMRC discover this., so some companies may well require evidence that someone is known to HMRC as a Sole Trader.
    Who having known the diamond will concern himself with glass?

    Rudyard Kipling


  • p00hsticks
    p00hsticks Posts: 13,670 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 10,000 Posts Name Dropper Photogenic
    edited 25 July 2009 at 6:58PM
    minxtress wrote: »
    From my understanding it is only for the self employed and is issued when you register as such but takes up to 8weeks to arrive.


    No, I agree with mountainofdebt, it doesn't mean that you are self-employed - anyone completing a Self Assessment form would have one, for example. I have a UTR and have never been self-employed (although I have been a director of my own limited company). I suspect you first get allocated one (or told what it is) when you first communicate personally with HMRC, which is why it may seem like it's related to you telling them you're self employed.
  • minxtress
    minxtress Posts: 774 Forumite
    Im not a sole trader though, I work for them, they pay my wage which is commision only into my bank account. Only difference is im classed as self employed and pay my own tax and NI so still non the wiser why they need it all of a sudden. Also other homeworkers have worked for the company for 5 years and this is the first they have been asked too.
  • I'm confused about how you can be self employed without being a Sole Trader - unless you have a limited company.
    Who having known the diamond will concern himself with glass?

    Rudyard Kipling


  • minxtress
    minxtress Posts: 774 Forumite
    I am not a sole trader. I am not sure how it works hence not being sure why they need my UTR. It has got me round the bend!
    I dont know whether im coming or going when it comes to filling out the returns form either.
    God help me!
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