Freelance journalist asked for UTR by Client

[7specialgems]

New client has agreed to engage services of freelance journalist on a casual fixed price per piece basis.

The client's accounting department have requested the self employed services provider's UTR number.

I've only ever heard of this in the construction industry and was given to understand UTR is otherwise supposed to be confidential.

Has anyone else ever been asked to disclose this information to their client or have any ideas on justification?

[Lance]

Freelance journalist asked for UTR by Client

Might be part of their due diligence. Or they want you PAYE, but if that were the case I’d expect them to ask for your p45.

Ask ‘em why they want it.

[SimonMac]

Have you asked the client?

[Craig@Clarity]

Sounds like due diligence to me. It's likely the freelancer isn't setup as a company and the client what's to ensure that they are registered as self employed by asking for the UTR.

[Maslins]

I doubt there's anything dodgy here. Whilst it's not the client's job to ensure freelancers who work for them pay the right taxes, I think it could be argued to be responsible practice by them to at least ensure you're registered for self assessment. Minimises the risk you later say "Oh, I assumed it all went via their payroll" or something like that.

[BlasterBates]

Not dodgy, you will be also giving them your bank account details. They want to make sure that you are registered and paying tax.