Moving house is exciting but the administrative side of things can feel like a mountain of paperwork. One of the most critical tasks is letting HMRC know your new address.
The good news is that the ways to contact HMRC are generally simple. Updating your details using the hmrc change address phone number or online can save a tax-sized headache later.
This guide will cover:
- Ways To Contact HMRC To Change The Address
- What Is The Easiest Way To Tell HMRC You’ve Moved House
- How Long Does It Take For HMRC To Update The Address
- And Much More…
See Our Packages
Why Do I Need to Tell HMRC I’ve Moved?
You need to contact HMRC whether online or using a change of address HMRC phone number:
- To make sure your tax records are accurate
- To avoid missing important letters or deadlines
- To keep your benefits or tax credits running smoothly
- To prevent identity fraud or delays in refunds
What are the Ways to Contact HMRC to Change the Address?
Fortunately, there are many ways to contact HMRC to change the address. Hence you can choose the method that best suits your comfort level and specific tax situation:
- Online: the fastest method
- By phone: Using a contact number for HMRC change of address
- By Post: Writing a letter
Later in this guide you will get to know in detail how to Get in touch Over a Phone Call with HMRC to Update Your Basic Information. And how to Write About the Address Change through the Post.
Also remember that depending on your circumstances such as whether you are a general employee, self employed or claiming Child Benefit, you might need to use a slightly different approach. This is to make sure all your records are updated correctly.
How to Change Your Address Online: The Easiest Way
For almost everyone in the UK the easiest way to tell HMRC you have moved is by using their official website. It is called the Personal Tax Account (PTA). And it is open 24/7.
Using the Personal Tax Account (PTA)
- Log In: Head over to the GOV.UK website. Sign in to your Personal Tax Account. Make sure you have your Government Gateway ID and password ready to go.
- Verify Identity: If it is your first time you will need to pass a security check. This usually means giving them things like your National Insurance (NI) number. Also the details from a UK passport or driving licence.
- Update Details: Once you are in, look for where it says something like ‘Manage account details’ or ‘Change of name or address’.
- Enter New Address: Follow the instructions on the screen. Just type in your new home address and confirm everything is correct. That’s it. done!
Using the PTA generally updates your address for:
- Income Tax (if you are employed under PAYE)
- National Insurance
- Child Benefit
- State Pension
For the above mentioned list of HMRC-administered services, updating your address through your PTA is sufficient. You will need to notify other government departments like your local council for Council Tax separately.
How To Change Your Address By Phone?
You might be thinking about how to change your address by phone? Well, that’s quite simple. Just ring a helpful human using the hm revenue and customs change of address phone number.
Call HMRC on the income tax helpline: 0300 200 3300. Monday to Friday, office hours.
Be prepared to confirm identity details such as:
- National Insurance number
- Full name and date of birth
- Old address
- Employer details if applicable
You need to know that this is the slowest option. Also the specific number you call depends on the type of tax you are paying. If you are updating Child Benefit, Universal Credit or other services, those have separate phone lines.
- Income Tax: Call 0300 200 3300. You will need your National Insurance number.
- Self Assessment: Call 0300 200 3310. You will need your Unique Taxpayer Reference (UTR).
- Child Benefit: Call 0300 200 3100. Have your National Insurance number or Child Benefit number ready.
How To Change Your Address By Post?
Writing to HMRC is definitely the slowest option, so only use this if other methods are not possible. You must ensure you send your letter to the correct department’s address.
Send your letter to:
HM Revenue and Customs
Pay As You Earn and Self Assessment
BX9 1AS
United Kingdom
We recommend keeping a copy of the letter for your own records.
Is There A Webchat Option?
Yes, HMRC offers a digital assistant and live chat. As per HMRC, 75% of people using the digital assistant find the answer without having to call.
HMRC webchat is primarily for technical assistance with online services, not the main method for changing your address.
Can I Use The HMRC App To Change My Address?
Yes, you can. The HMRC app is available on both Android and iOS. It’s free and secure.
Once logged in:
- Tap “Your profile”
- Choose “Address”
- Add your new details
- Confirm and submit
It’s this simple and quick. You can do it while the kettle boils.
See Our Packages
What About Changing My Business Address with HMRC?
If you run a limited company, updating your personal address with HMRC does not change your company’s registered office address.
Updating Your Company’s Legal Address
- Companies House: The registered office address must be updated separately with Companies House via their online filing service.
- Business Tax Account: For all other business taxes (like VAT or Corporation Tax) for sole traders or partnerships you can usually update the business address through your Business Tax Account on GOV.UK.
How Do I Update My Address for Self Assessment and Tax Credits?
While the Personal Tax Account covers the basics, HMRC manages different tax and benefit schemes separately. Depending on your situation you might need a different contact method to make sure the address is changed everywhere.
Here is the breakdown for the two most common areas people need to update after a move.
| Tax Product | Preferred/Easiest Method | Alternative Contact Method | Key Details You Need |
|---|---|---|---|
| Self Assessment (SA) | Online (Government Gateway): This is the fastest method. Log in to your Self Assessment account to update your personal details immediately. | Phone: Call the dedicated Self Assessment helpline. Helpline: 0300 200 3310 By Post: Correct your address on your annual paper tax return (SA100). | Unique Taxpayer Reference (UTR) and your National Insurance (NI) number. |
| Child Benefit | Online (Personal Tax Account): Use your PTA on GOV.UK for the quickest change, as this account is linked to your NI record. | Phone: Call the Child Benefit Office directly. Helpline: 0300 200 3100 By Post: Write a letter to the Child Benefit Office. | Your Child Benefit number or National Insurance (NI) number. |
What If I’ve Moved Abroad?
If you’re now living outside the UK, you’ll need to contact HMRC’s international helpline:
+44 135 535 9022
They’ll guide you through the process depending on your tax situation.
When Should I Tell HMRC About My Address Change?
You should tell HMRC about your new address as soon as possible after you move.
Technically you need to wait until you have actually moved. But delaying too long can cause real problems. Especially if you miss a notification about a change to your tax code or an important deadline. Aim to get it sorted within a couple of weeks of unpacking those last few boxes
What Happens if I Forget to Update HMRC?
Possible outcomes:
- Lost tax refunds
- Missed deadlines leading to penalties
- Confusion with your tax code
- Problems claiming benefits
- Delays receiving important documents like P60 or UTR letters
It takes minutes now to avoid hours of sorting later.
Can I Contact HMRC Online to Change My Address?
Yes as discussed above, the quickest way to update your details with HMRC is through their online services. Using your Personal Tax Account on GOV.UK lets you securely submit your new address.
For an even simpler option the HMRC app offers the same features on your phone.
How Long Does It Take for HMRC to Update the Address?
Online and app updates usually show quickly in your account. Post can take weeks. If you need something urgently such as a refund or code correction, tell HMRC as soon as you move.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Changing Your Address with HM Revenue and Customs
Updating your address with HMRC might look simple at first glance. Mistakes do happen though. And they can lead to missed tax letters or penalties.
Here are the common pitfalls you need to avoid:
-
Thinking One Update is Enough:
- The Mistake: Updating only one area such as PAYE and assuming all records will update automatically.
- The Fix: Make sure Self Assessment, Child Benefit & any other HMRC services you use are updated separately. Anyone receiving Universal Credit must contact the DWP as HMRC cannot change those details.
-
Delaying the Notification:
- The Mistake: Waiting weeks or months before notifying HMRC of your new address.
- The Fix: Update your details as soon as you move. HMRC still holds you responsible for deadlines even if letters arrive at your previous address.
-
Forgetting Key Identification:
- The Mistake: Calling or writing without the information HMRC needs to verify your identity.
- The Fix: Have your National Insurance number ready. Self employed individuals should also keep their UTR on hand.
-
Not Using the Easiest Route:
- The Mistake: Sending a letter when there is a quicker, more secure route.
- The Fix: Most people can update their personal details through their online Personal Tax Account or the HMRC app. These services are faster. They keep everything neatly in one place.
Are you looking for professional tech-savvy tax advisors and accountants in the UK to guide you? Contact us now!
The Bottom Line
Changing your address with HMRC is straightforward. You can update your details quickly through the online services or the HMRC app. If you run a business, don’t forget to update both your personal and business records so everything stays in sync.
Whether you prefer online or using a HMRC change address phone number, updating HMRC after moving keeps your financial life aligned.
WE CAN HELP
If you need help with your taxes or any other accounting services, visit Accotax. We have chartered accountants for each requirement. Plus, we also offer a range of packages designed to fit your unique needs.
Reach out, get an instant quote and let us help you stay compliant!
Disclaimer: All the information provided in this article on “What are the Ways to Contact HMRC to Change the Address” including all the texts and graphics, is general in nature. It does not intend to disregard any of the professional advice.