Will asking for my UTR trigger anything at HMRC

longwalks1

Hope this is in the correct board.

I've worked for the same employer for 28 years, PAYE tax payer.  I use a spread betting account for occasional small trades and received an email saying I need to provide my UTR to continue using it after 1st Jan 2026 (there's a zero balance in it at present).

Will contacting HMRC and asking for my unique tax reference (that I've never needed in 49 years of my life) trigger any kind of monitoring or checking?  I've never done a tax return, and assumed they were for self employed.
Wasn't sure if me asking for my number will highlight me to be looked into (not that i do anything untoward - just dont fancy any extra paperwork) 

Brie

I don't know the answer but think the people who can help will be on the tax board.  I'll move this over.

Dazed_and_C0nfused

longwalks1 said:

Hope this is in the correct board.

I've worked for the same employer for 28 years, PAYE tax payer.  I use a spread betting account for occasional small trades and received an email saying I need to provide my UTR to continue using it after 1st Jan 2026 (there's a zero balance in it at present).

Will contacting HMRC and asking for my unique tax reference (that I've never needed in 49 years of my life) trigger any kind of monitoring or checking?  I've never done a tax return, and assumed they were for self employed.
Wasn't sure if me asking for my number will highlight me to be looked into (not that i do anything untoward - just dont fancy any extra paperwork) 

If you have never filed a return you won't have a UTR.

Tax returns aren't (just) for the self employed but you won't have one, and can't get one, if you haven't needed to file a return.

wmb194

longwalks1 said:

Hope this is in the correct board.

I've worked for the same employer for 28 years, PAYE tax payer.  I use a spread betting account for occasional small trades and received an email saying I need to provide my UTR to continue using it after 1st Jan 2026 (there's a zero balance in it at present).

Will contacting HMRC and asking for my unique tax reference (that I've never needed in 49 years of my life) trigger any kind of monitoring or checking?  I've never done a tax return, and assumed they were for self employed.
Wasn't sure if me asking for my number will highlight me to be looked into (not that i do anything untoward - just dont fancy any extra paperwork) 

For a tax identification number usually a national insurance number will suffice: ask this spread betting company if that would be enough? Usually UTR numbers are issued when you're signed up for self assessment.

flaneurs_lobster

The advice I've found online is that you should not be giving your UTR to anyone except the person completing your tax return (eg your accountant) or the person paying you if you are a contractor in the construction industry scheme (CIS). 

Anyone else gets your NI No, and then only if they have a legitimate need (regulated spread-better Co is probably legit), although aren't returns from spread-betting (like any betting) tax-free?

longwalks1

Thanks all
yes Flaneurs, returns from spread betting are tax exempt, that’s why I wasn’t sure.  I know IG Index are a legitimate company, but I’m edging on the side of caution as to why they want my UTR (I haven’t even got one yet) and what it’s got to do with HMRC? 

I’ve emailed IGIndex customer service to ask, but as of this morning not had anything back