To speed up the handling of post, HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) has announced that it is changing the addresses shown on PAYE and self assessment forms and letters.
These forms and letters currently show different tax office names and addresses which taxpayers use when they write to HMRC about their tax affairs.
As a way of improving the system, HMRC is switching the addresses to PO Boxes.
HMRC now has national computer systems for PAYE and self assessment. This allows HMRC to manage work nationally because customer records can be handled by staff in any location.
The use of different tax office names and addresses on PAYE and self assessment forms and letters therefore no longer reflects the way HMRC can deal with customers’ tax affairs, the tax authorities argued.
The change will be introduced in phases over the next year, with the first phase beginning in May.
HMRC has said it will clearly state the PO Box address on forms and letters issued to customers. Existing tax office names and addresses will continue to be used for those taxpayers with more complex affairs.
