Legal

How to tell HMRC you've moved house

If you're self-employed, receive tax credits, or have any other dealings with HMRC, you need to update your address when you move. HMRC sends important documents — tax returns, payment reminders, tax codes — to the address they have on file.

Who needs to tell HMRC?

You need to update your address if you're self-employed, receive tax credits or child benefit, have a student loan, or are a company director. If you're employed and only deal with HMRC through your employer, see our guide on updating your address with HMRC for PAYE instead.

How to update your address

The easiest way is through your personal tax account on GOV.UK. Sign in, go to your profile, and update your address. You can also call the HMRC helpline or write to them, but online is fastest.

When should I do it?

Update your address within a couple of weeks of moving. If you're approaching the self-assessment deadline (31 January), do it sooner — you don't want important correspondence going to your old address. Don't forget to also update your bank and financial providers.

Common questions

Will HMRC update all their records at once?
Mostly yes — updating through your personal tax account covers self-assessment, PAYE, and National Insurance. Tax credits and child benefit may need separate updates.
What if I miss post from HMRC?
Setting up Royal Mail redirection will catch anything sent to your old address. But don't rely on this long-term — update your address directly.

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