HMRC (His Majesty's Revenue and Customs) is the UK's tax authority. This guide explains what it does and which of your business obligations run through it.
Published July 2026 · Updated July 2026
His Majesty's Revenue and Customs is the government department responsible for collecting taxes and administering the rules around them. It also pays out some support such as tax credits and child benefit.
As a business owner, HMRC is who you register with when you start, who you file VAT returns and Self Assessment to, and who you pay. It also issues your tax references and, increasingly, sets the software standards you must use.
The dates that matter most are the VAT return deadline (a month and seven days after each quarter) and the Self Assessment deadline (31 January after the tax year). Missing them can lead to penalties and interest.
Through your online HMRC account, by phone, or by post. Keeping an online account makes filing and checking what you owe much easier.
A Unique Taxpayer Reference is a 10 digit number HMRC gives you for Self Assessment. You need it to file your return.
They are separate. Companies House handles company registration and annual accounts; HMRC handles tax. A limited company deals with both.
Source: GOV.UK ↗. This glossary is written for small business owners, so definitions are simplified. Tax rates and thresholds reflect 2026/27 UK rules and change over time. Berified does not provide accounting, tax or legal advice; always check the source or a qualified adviser.