Why Is It Important to Tell HMRC About Your Change of Address?

Change address with HMRC is important because it affects several tax-related services and official communications.

Your address on HMRC’s records is used for:

• Tax refund cheques sent by post.
• PAYE Coding Notices (P2), which affect your tax code.
• Self Assessment notices, filing reminders, and penalty letters.
• Your Unique Taxpayer Reference (UTR) when you first register.
• Compliance checks and tax debt correspondence.
• Child Benefit records if your household details change.

If HMRC has your old address, you could miss important letters, tax refunds, or deadlines. Although there is no legal deadline, it is recommended that you update your address within 30 days of moving.

Method 1: Update Your Address Using Your HMRC Personal Tax Account

The quickest and easiest way to change address with HMRC is through your HMRC Personal Tax Account, available online 24/7.

Follow these steps:

Step 1: Sign in to your HMRC Personal Tax Account using your Government Gateway ID and password.

Step 2: If you do not already have a Government Gateway account, create one using your National Insurance number and proof of identity, such as your passport or driving license.

Step 3: Open Manage your personal details or Check your Income Tax.

Step 4: Select change address with HMRC and enter your new address.

Step 5: Confirm the changes. HMRC will update your records and may send a confirmation letter to your new address.

If you complete a Self Assessment tax return online, you can also update your address during the filing process. However, you should not wait until your tax return is due update your address as soon as you move.

Method 2: Contact HMRC by Phone to Change Address with HMRC

If you cannot use the online service, you can contact HMRC by telephone. Before making any changes, HMRC will ask questions to confirm your identity.

Income Tax (PAYE)

Phone: 0300 200 3300

Opening Hours: Monday to Friday, 8:00 am – 6:00 pm

Self Assessment

Phone: 0300 200 3310

Opening Hours: Monday to Friday, 8:00 am – 6:00 pm

National Insurance

Phone: 0300 200 3500

Opening Hours: Monday to Friday, 8:00 am – 6:00 pm

Tax Credits

Phone: 0345 300 3900

Opening Hours: Monday to Friday, 8:00 am – 6:00 pm

Child Benefit

Phone: 0300 200 3100

Opening Hours: Monday to Friday, 8:00 am – 6:00 pm

Corporation Tax

Phone: 0300 200 3410

Opening Hours: Monday to Friday, 8:00 am – 6:00 pm

HMRC phone lines are usually busiest during January (Self Assessment season) and April (the start of the new tax year). Calling during weekday mornings often results in shorter waiting times.

Method 3: Write to HMRC to Change Your Address

You can also change address with HMRC by writing to HMRC, although this is the slowest option.

Your letter should include:

• Your full name.
• Date of birth.
• National Insurance number.
• Your previous address.
• Your new address.
• The date you moved.
• Your signature.

It is also advisable to keep a copy of your letter before posting it.

For PAYE and Income Tax enquiries, send your letter to:

HMRC Pay As You Earn

BX9 1AS

United Kingdom

What If You Are Self-Employed or File Self Assessment?

If you are self-employed or complete a Self Assessment tax return, make sure your address is updated in the Self Assessment system.

When filing your next return:

• Check your new address appears correctly on your SA100 return.
• Update your details through the HMRC Self Assessment online service.
• If you use accounting software such as Xero, QuickBooks, or Sage, update your address there as well so your records remain consistent.

Changing Address for a Limited Company

If you operate a limited company, you must update both Companies House and HMRC.

Companies House

To change your registered office address, submit Form AD01 online or by post.

The new address must remain within the same UK jurisdiction (England and Wales, Scotland, or Northern Ireland).

There is no fee for filing the change online.

HMRC

You must also notify HMRC separately if your company’s trading address or Corporation Tax correspondence address changes.

This can be done through your Business Tax Account or by contacting the Corporation Tax helpline.

Moving Abroad: Notifying HMRC

If you are leaving the UK permanently or for a long period, simply change address with HMRC is not enough.

You should:

• Complete Form P85 if you are an employee.
• Update your address through your final Self Assessment return if you are self-employed.
• Check how your UK tax residency status changes.
• Understand that UK income, such as rental income, may still be taxable.
• Review how your National Insurance record may be affected.

Moving abroad can affect your UK tax obligations, so obtaining professional tax advice is often beneficial.

Frequently Asked Questions About Changing Your HMRC Address

How quickly does HMRC update my address?

Online updates are usually processed within a few days.

Telephone updates are normally completed immediately.

Postal requests usually take between two and four weeks.

Do I need to tell HMRC and the DVLA separately?

Yes.

HMRC and the DVLA are separate government organizations. Updating your address with one organization does not automatically update the other.

Will HMRC send my tax refund to my new address?

Yes, once your new address has been processed.

If a refund cheque has already been sent to your old address, you should contact HMRC and request that it be reissued.

Can I update my address using my Government Gateway account?

Yes.

Your Government Gateway account provides access to your HMRC Personal Tax Account, where you can securely change address with HMRC and other personal information.