UTR for AirBnB and Turo Hosts
If you are a AirBnB or Turo host and you earn above £1000, it is highly likely that you will need to submit a self assessment tax return. Before you do that though, you will need to make sure you have what is known as a Unique Taxpayer Reference Number (UTR). It's important to do this in advance of submitting your self assessment tax return. We give you all the details in this little guide.
What is a Unique Taxpayer Reference Number (UTR) ?
A Unique Taxpayer Reference (UTR) number is a code used by HMRC to identify self-employed individuals, such as Airbnb and Turo hosts, and their businesses for tax purposes.
Often referred to as a UTR number, this number gives HMRC an easy way to track your tax obligations and match your records to payments.
Just like your National Insurance, once you have this number it stays with you for life.
And if you’re trying to find it, your UTR number has 10 digits and sometimes has a ‘K’ at the end. It can be labelled as your tax reference’ number or ‘official use’, so keep an eye out for those.
Do I need a UTR Number?
As an Airbnb or Turo host, you'll need a UTR number if you submit a self-assessment tax return.
And if you submit a self-assessment tax return it’ll be because
- you’re self-employed or a sole trader,
- or have set up a limited company.
- You’ll also need it if you owe tax on savings interest, dividends, or capital gains, or if you earn more than £100,000 a year.
If you’re in the side-hustle game and you earn over £1,000 from it then you’ll need to do a self-assessment tax return all the same.
When submitting a self-assessment tax return, ensure you enter the correct UTR number to avoid potential fines.
Read more about the self-assessment here
How do Airbnb and Turo hosts get a UTR number?
If you've not set-up a limited company, you have to self-register for a UTR number as you’re not automatically given one.
There’re two ways you can do this:
- Through apps like Earnr.
- Through HMRC.
When applying through HMRC there’re three ways you can apply for your UTR number:
- Online: You can do this on the HMRC website. Once you’ve completed the form they’ll send your number to you in the post.
- Phone: You can give HMRC a ring on 0300 200 3310, although be warned they might still direct you to apply online.
- Post: You can write to HMRC at:
Pay As You Earn and Self Assessment, HM Revenue and Customs, United Kingdom, BX9 1AS
Post is likely to take a while as there’ll be some back and forth with more requests for information and proof of identity.
An important thing to remember is that it takes 10 days to receive your number as HMRC send it by post, so the sooner you apply the better! If you’re working abroad then it takes 21 days.
How can Airbnb and Turo hosts find their UTR number?
If you’re not sure if you have one, or have lost it then give HMRC a ring on 0300 200 3310. Just make sure to have your National Insurance number ready to hand.
The number should also be in your Government Gateway portal in the top right-hand corner of your account summary.
Otherwise you can check any correspondence you've received from HMRC. Your tax return should show the number distinctly in the top left corner and appear: UTR 1234567891.
