Giving out UTR number

agrinnall

blondebubbles wrote: »

UTR doesn't prove self employment but proves someone is registered for self assessment.

All UTRs are the same format as they are all 10 digit numbers.

OP - employers and contractors are frequently asked by HMRC to confirm the details of the staff they have as "self employed". This may be the reason why they are asking for the UTR.

I don't see why there is an issues with providing it as if it was an employer you would give them your NINO.

Being registered for SA doesn't mean anything in terms of SE though, as I have shown many, many people are registered for SA without ever having been SE. It's a stupid reason for asking for the UTR, and except for CIS I suspect that it's being used where there is disguised employment in place.

And I can assure you that not all UTRs are the same format, mine is a mix of letters and numbers in the format xxnxnnnnxxxx (although my mum's is all numeric).

tomterm8

blondebubbles wrote: »

You give your employer your name, dob, address, NINO and bank details. Equally as sensitive info.

But in each of these cases there is a valid and legitimate reason for giving them the information they request.

For example they need your name and NINO for tax purposes.

They need your bank details to pay you.

With the exception of construction contractors working under the CIS scheme there's no legitimate purpose for them to have the UTR. It doesn't prove that you are self-employed and doesn't give them any protection whatsoever.

Whereas, you might give your accountant your UTR because they would probably have a legitimate reason for needing it under some circumstances.