In short, yes, you need to notify HMRC if you change your business or personal address by updating your personal tax account or business information. For businesses, you need to update your business address within 3 months for your income tax self assessment tax return, VAT, PAYE and corporation tax. For individuals, you should notify HMRC of your new home address to receive tax communications to your new correspondence address. Employees should update their home address with HMRC directly and not through their employers, which could be delayed.
HMRC address updates can be done through the tax account online using your government gateway user ID, phone or post, or contacting your tax credit office directly. You will need to provide your name, tax reference, and new address details.
Top tip: If calling make sure you have your national insurance number to hand.
Not updating your address can lead to missed communications and potential penalties, so it’s essential to notify HMRC promptly about any address changes.
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How Do You Notify HMRC?
There are different processes for informing HMRC about a change of address depending on how you file your taxes. Companies that file taxes online can update the change of address by logging into their online profile to update government gateway details there. It is a simple process of logging in and updating your personal details.
The process is not the same for a company that files its taxes by post. Such businesses or individuals have to fill out a paper form and send it to HMRC to make a change of address request. It is important to include your employee or self-employed employment status on submitted forms.
Notification forms for change of address are available on the HMRC website but you can still reach out for support help if confused about the correct form to fill. HMRC has agents readily available to assist with any questions you have concerning the process. The ideal time to inform HMRC of a change of address is within 28 days of moving. A prompt notification helps them update their records and duly send any correspondence, whilst also ensuring your account details are up to date to ensure the proper payment of business tax and other tax obligations.
Why Do You Need To Notify HMRC Of A Change Of Address?
The major reason for notifying HMRC of an address change is to let them update their records with your new details. Otherwise, essential information like tax reminders and policy updates are sent to the wrong address. Maintaining an updated record with HMRC assists with tax compliance and ensures you get access to any benefits or reliefs such as tax credits.
A common misconception is that you only need to inform HMRC when you change jobs or change your country of residence. A simple change of address without notifying them can cause you to miss out on vital information updates. You might even miss out on reminders for payment deadlines and get penalised as a result. Keeping HMRC records up to date is vital.
Other Personal Details You Need To Notify HMRC About
A change of address is an important update HMRC must know about but that is not all. Additional updates like a change of name, marital status or number of dependents must be promptly passed across to HMRC. This information affects how much tax you pay and there might be penalties for failing to quickly notify HMRC.
You should also ensure your contact details remain updated in case HMRC attempts to contact you. Important contact information includes phone number and email address. There is the option to update these details online by logging into your profile and heading to the ‘Add, View or Change Contact Details’ section. Alternatively, fill out a form and send it to HMRC.
What Are The Penalties For Not Notifying HMRC About Changes?
There are penalties for failing to notify HMRC about changes in your personal records with them. The extent of the penalties or fines varies depending on the specific circumstance. For example, you can expect a higher fine for someone with a history of flaunting HMRC guidelines.
The other problem with failing to notify HMRC about a recent change of address is the potential to miss out on important correspondence. In addition to paying a fine for not informing HMRC, there is an increased chance of missing vital deadlines that could attract severe penalties. This explains why you should inform HMRC immediately after changing your location.
What Are HMRC’s Responsibilities?
The primary responsibility of HMRC is to collect taxes and enforce tax-related regulations in the UK. Additionally, they guide businesses and individuals on how to comply with essential taxation laws. Their role is essential, particularly for small business owners or expert traders with little tax law knowledge. HMRC offers support and guidance options for those who need help with meeting expected deadlines and minimising their tax bills.
Some other responsibilities of HMRC include the administration of certain benefits and allowances like the state pension and child benefits. They collaborate with other government agencies like the Department for Work and Pensions to select eligible recipients. The procedure to qualify for these benefits is to keep HMRC updated on your personal records, so you don’t fall through the net.
What Does Companies House Do?
Companies House is a government agency that focuses on the incorporation and registration of companies in the UK. They are responsible for filing annual reports and accounts for companies.
Remember you can always ask questions from a support representative at Companies House. They are always available to offer specific advice about your company’s registration, and you can even check with them which business address information they hold about you to ensure that is accurate too.
What Do You Need To Notify Companies House About?
Notification of a change of address is not only for HMRC; you must inform Companies House. They are both government agencies in charge of filing annual reports and accounts for registered businesses based on available data to them. Having outdated information affects the correct tax amount you pay, or could lead to you missing out on important updates.
The process of notifying Companies House of your change of address starts with filling out a form on their website. It is not the same form for every company and you must confirm the correct document based on the registration data of your business. For example, whether your company is limited by shares or limited by guarantee.
Beyond sending a notification for a change of address, keep Companies House updated on other general changes. These include a change in your company’s registered office address or the appointment of a new director.
Maintaining proper records with Companies House and other government agencies helps them send relevant correspondence. You can also be sure to fill out the correct forms and never miss a deadline without getting reminders.
Tips For Dealing With HMRC And Companies House
Corresponding with HMRC and Companies House might initially seem difficult but it gets normal with time. Here are a few tips to help you improve communications with these government agencies.
Firstly, keep track of every piece of information or message from both organisations. Missing out on updates or changes from HMRC or Companies House likely causes panic. You tend to make mistakes like calculating taxes with the wrong rates or staying unaware of newly announced benefits when you don’t keep hold of relevant correspondence.
The next useful tip is to contact HMRC or Companies House whenever in doubt. They are both public agencies responsible for assisting you with filing required documents correctly. Do not hesitate to contact them if you need information on relevant compliance regulations or correct tax calculations.
Another idea for getting better at dealing with public organisations is to hire an accountant for your tax-related calculations. A qualified accountant helps to identify potential deductions and allowances that you can claim. You can also have them complete the tax return documents of the company to save you time and stress. Experienced accountants usually find legal ways to minimise your tax bill, too.
Where To Find Out About Tax Policy Changes
The HMRC website should be your primary source of information for updates on tax policy. Their page is particularly useful since it contains information on topics like personal and business taxes. Businesses can take advantage of the website to stay updated on the most recent changes to the tax system with explanations and guidance on compliance with related regulations to ensure your business is meeting its obligations.
Keeping your address up to date is also key as you’ll likely receive a letter with changes to tax policy, too.
How To Register A New Business
The first step when starting a new business is to register with HMRC. It is a simple process that takes only a few minutes to complete online. HMRC assigns you a unique tax reference number after the registration. The number is sometimes also referred to as Unique Taxpayer Reference (UTR) and functions as an identity with HMRC for business and tax compliance purposes.
Next, provide all the details they need, including accurate address information.
Final Thoughts
It is very important to promptly notify HMRC about a change of address to maintain updated records with them. The process is a simple one you can complete online within minutes. Failure to inform HMRC about such essential changes in personal information potentially affects your tax liability.
You might miss out on certain correspondence from them and even attract penalties if you subsequently miss tax payment deadlines. Always ensure you contact HMRC if unsure about a certain taxation process or for advice on legal compliance.
