Moving house is one of the most stressful life events but notifying HMRC of your new address is one task that should not be left until later. Failing to update your address with HMRC can lead to missed tax returns, missed refunds, and HMRC correspondence going to your old property. This step-by-step AccFirm guide explains every method a vailable to update your address with HMRC in 2025, including online, by phone, and by post, for employees, self-employed individuals, and limited company directors.
Why Is It Important to Tell HMRC About Your Change of Address?
Your address on HMRC’s records affects several important tax processes:
- Tax refund cheques are sent by post to your registered address if HMRC has your old address, you will miss them
- PAYE Coding Notices (P2) are sent by post missing these could leave you on the wrong tax code
- Self Assessment notices to file, deadline reminders, and penalty notices are sent to your registered address
- UTR numbers for newly registered taxpayers are posted to the address on record
- HMRC may attempt to contact you about compliance queries or tax debts at your registered address
- If you receive Child Benefit, changes in your household may affect your eligibility and need to be reported
It is a legal obligation to keep your address up to date with HMRC. There is no specific deadline stated in law, but best practice is to notify HMRC within 30 days of moving.
Method 1: Update Your Address via Your HMRC Personal Tax Account (Recommended)
The fastest and most efficient method for most individuals is to update your address through your HMRC Personal Tax Account online. This is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Steps:
- Step 1: Visit www.gov.uk/personal-tax-account and sign in with your Government Gateway user ID and password
- Step 2: If you do not have a Government Gateway account, you will need to create one using your National Insurance number and a form of ID (passport, driving licence)
- Step 3: Navigate to “Manage your personal details” or “Check your Income Tax”
- Step 4: Select “Change your address” and enter your new address
- Step 5: Confirm the change HMRC will update its records and may send a confirmation letter to your new address
If you are filing Self Assessment online, you can also update your address directly when submitting your tax return. However, do not wait until your return is due update your address as soon as you move.
Method 2: Contact HMRC by Phone to Change Your Address
If you cannot access the online service or prefer to speak to someone, HMRC can update your address over the phone. You will need to verify your identity before any changes are made.
| Your Situation | Phone Number | Opening Hours |
| Income Tax (PAYE) | 0300 200 3300 | Monday–Friday, 8am–6pm |
| Self Assessment | 0300 200 3310 | Monday–Friday, 8am–6pm |
| National Insurance | 0300 200 3500 | Monday–Friday, 8am–6pm |
| Tax Credits | 0345 300 3900 | Monday–Friday, 8am–6pm |
| Child Benefit | 0300 200 3100 | Monday–Friday, 8am–6pm |
| Corporation Tax (companies) | 0300 200 3410 | Monday–Friday, 8am–6pm |
HMRC phone lines can be busy, particularly in January (Self Assessment deadline) and April (new tax year). Calling midweek in the morning tends to result in shorter wait times.
Method 3: Write to HMRC to Change Your Address
HMRC still accepts written correspondence to change your address, though this is the slowest method and should be avoided if the online or phone options are available. When writing:
- Include your full name, date of birth, and National Insurance number on every page
- Clearly state your old address and your new address
- Include the date you moved
- Sign the letter
- Make a copy before posting
The correct postal address depends on your query type. For PAYE and Income Tax correspondence, write to HMRC Pay As You Earn, BX9 1AS, United Kingdom.
What If You Are Self-Employed or File Self Assessment?
Self Assessment taxpayers must ensure their address is updated in the Self Assessment system specifically. Updating your address in your Personal Tax Account covers most situations, but when you file your next Self Assessment return:
- Check that your new address is shown on the SA100 return before submission
- Update your details in the HMRC Self Assessment online portal (www.gov.uk/file-your-self-assessment-tax-return)
- If you use commercial accounting software (Xero, QuickBooks, Sage), update your address there too and ensure it flows through to HMRC
Changing Address for a Limited Company
For a limited company, changing the company’s registered address involves both Companies House and HMRC and these are separate processes:
Companies House
To change the registered office address of a limited company, file form AD01 with Companies House online at beta.companieshouse.gov.uk or by post. The change must be to an address within the same country of registration (England and Wales, Scotland, or Northern Ireland). There is no fee for this change when filed online.
HMRC
HMRC must be separately notified of any change to the company’s trading address or the address for Corporation Tax correspondence. Log in to your Business Tax Account at gov.uk or call the Corporation Tax helpline on 0300 200 3410.
Moving Abroad: Notifying HMRC
If you are leaving the UK permanently or spending a significant period abroad, the process involves more than just a change of address:
- Notify HMRC using form P85 (employees) or via your final Self Assessment return (self-employed)
- Your UK tax residency status changes you may become a non-UK resident for tax purposes
- UK source income (e.g. rental income from a UK property) may remain taxable in the UK even when you live abroad
- Your National Insurance record may be affected
Moving abroad with ongoing UK tax obligations is complex. AccFirm provides specialist expatriate tax advice for UK residents relocating internationally.
Frequently Asked Questions: Changing Address with HMRC
How quickly does HMRC update my address?
Online changes via your Personal Tax Account are usually processed within a few days. Telephone updates are processed immediately. Postal changes take 2–4 weeks.
Do I need to tell HMRC and DVLA separately?
Yes. HMRC and the DVLA (Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency) are separate government agencies. Updating your address with one does not update the other. You must notify both separately.
Will HMRC send my tax refund to my new address automatically?
Once HMRC has processed your new address, future correspondence and refund cheques will be sent there. However, if a refund was already issued to your old address, you will need to contact HMRC to have it reissued.
Can I update my address for HMRC using the Government Gateway?
Yes your Government Gateway account links to your HMRC Personal Tax Account. Updating your address through the Government Gateway Personal Tax Account updates HMRC’s records.