Keeping your personal details up to date with HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) is essential. If you move home or change your phone number, updating your records helps ensure you continue receiving important tax information, refunds, notices, and correspondence without delays.
Fortunately, HMRC offers several ways to update your contact details, including through your Personal Tax Account, the HMRC app, by phone, and by post.
In this guide, we’ll explain how to change your address and phone number with HMRC quickly and securely.
Why You Should Update Your Details with HMRC
Failing to notify HMRC about a change of address or phone number can lead to several problems, including:
- Missing tax refund payments
- Not receiving important tax notices
- Delays in Child Benefit or tax credit claims
- Incorrect PAYE tax codes
- Missed Self Assessment reminders and deadlines
- Difficulties accessing your online tax account
- Problems receiving security codes for account login
Updating your details as soon as possible helps keep your tax affairs accurate and avoids unnecessary penalties or delays.
How to Change Your Address Online Through Your Personal Tax Account
The fastest and easiest way to update your address is through your HMRC Personal Tax Account.
Step 1: Sign In
Visit the HMRC Personal Tax Account portal and sign in using your Government Gateway User ID and password.
If you do not already have an account, you’ll need to create one and verify your identity using information such as:
- National Insurance number
- Passport details
- Recent payslip
- P60 or tax records
Step 2: Access Your Personal Details
Once logged in:
- Select Profile and Settings
- Choose Personal Details
- Click Change Address
Step 3: Enter Your New Address
Provide your new address, including the correct postcode.
HMRC uses the Royal Mail postcode lookup service to help locate and verify your address.
Step 4: Confirm the Update
Review your information carefully and submit the change.
Your new address will be updated across relevant HMRC services, including:
- Income Tax
- National Insurance
- State Pension records
- Child Benefit (where applicable)
Step 5: Verify the Change
Allow up to 48 hours for processing and log back into your account to confirm that the update has been applied.
How to Change Your Address Using the HMRC App
The HMRC app allows you to manage many tax-related services directly from your smartphone.
Download the HMRC App
The app is available free of charge for:
- Android devices via Google Play Store
- Apple devices via the App Store
Sign In
When opening the app for the first time:
- Sign in using your Government Gateway account
- Complete any identity verification steps
- Access your personal profile
Update Your Address
Within the app:
- Open your account settings
- Navigate to personal details
- Update your address information
- Confirm and save the changes
The app provides convenient access to your:
- National Insurance number
- Tax records
- PAYE information
- Benefits information
- Personal details
How to Change Your Phone Number with HMRC
The process depends on whether you’re updating:
- Your contact phone number
- Your Government Gateway security phone number used for login verification
Updating Your Contact Number
- Sign in to your Personal Tax Account.
- Navigate to your profile settings.
- Select contact information.
- Enter your new phone number.
- Save the changes.
Updating Your Security Phone Number
If you receive HMRC login security codes via text message:
- Sign into your Government Gateway account.
- Go to account security settings.
- Select Change Phone Number.
- Verify your identity.
- Enter your new number.
If you’ve lost access to your old phone, HMRC may ask additional questions to verify your identity before allowing the update.
How to Notify HMRC by Phone
If you prefer speaking directly with an adviser, you can contact HMRC by telephone.
Main Income Tax Helpline
0300 200 3300
Opening hours:
- Monday to Friday
- 8:00 am to 6:00 pm
Before calling, have the following information ready:
- National Insurance number
- Government Gateway details (if available)
- New address and contact information
Other HMRC Helplines
| Service | Phone Number |
|---|---|
| Self Assessment | 0300 200 3310 |
| Child Benefit | 0300 200 3100 |
| Employers | 0300 200 3200 |
| National Insurance | 0300 200 3500 |
| Online Services Helpdesk | 0300 200 3600 |
Keep in mind that waiting times can sometimes be lengthy during busy periods.
How to Update Your Address by Post
You can also notify HMRC of a change of address by sending a letter.
Include:
- Full name
- National Insurance number
- Tax reference number (if applicable)
- Previous address
- New address
- Date of the move
HMRC uses this information to locate your records and update them accurately.
Although postal updates remain available, online services are usually faster.
What Happens After You Update Your Details?
Once HMRC processes your request, your records will be updated across relevant services.
This may affect:
- Income Tax records
- National Insurance contributions
- State Pension records
- Child Benefit claims
- Self Assessment accounts
- Tax refund correspondence
Always check your online account after a few days to ensure the update has been completed successfully.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When updating your details with HMRC, avoid these common errors:
- Entering an incorrect postcode
- Forgetting to update your phone number for security codes
- Waiting too long after moving home
- Failing to update business records separately
- Not checking that the changes have been processed
- Ignoring Self Assessment account updates
Keeping your records current helps prevent future complications.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I change my HMRC address online?
Yes. The quickest method is through your HMRC Personal Tax Account or the HMRC mobile app.
Can I update my phone number in the HMRC app?
Yes. You can update your contact details through your account settings. Security phone numbers used for login verification may require additional identity checks.
How long does HMRC take to update my address?
Online updates are often processed immediately, although it can take up to 48 hours for changes to appear across all HMRC systems.
What if I cannot access my Government Gateway account?
You can recover your User ID or password online. If your account is locked due to multiple failed login attempts, it will normally unlock automatically after two hours.
Do I need to tell HMRC if I move house?
Yes. HMRC recommends updating your address as soon as possible to avoid missing important tax communications or refunds.
Final Thoughts
Keeping your address and phone number up to date with HMRC is an important part of managing your tax affairs. Whether you use the HMRC app, your Personal Tax Account, telephone support, or postal correspondence, updating your information is straightforward and helps ensure you continue receiving important tax updates without interruption.
If you’ve recently moved home or changed your contact details, it’s worth taking a few minutes to update your HMRC records today.