If your business circumstances change, you must update your VAT registration with HMRC. In some cases, you may need to cancel or transfer your registration instead. Failing to change VAT details within the required time limits can result in penalties. Most changes must be reported within 30 days.
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Changes You Must Report Within 30 Days
You must notify HMRC within 30 days if there are changes to:
- Your business name, trading name, or principal place of business
- Your VAT accountant or authorised agent
- The members of a partnership
- A partner’s name or home address
If you do not report these changes within 30 days, HMRC may charge a penalty under VAT compliance rules.
These updates are made through your VAT online account at GOV.UK. If you cannot use the online service, you must contact HMRC directly.
Updating Details Through Your VAT Online Account
You must sign in to your VAT online account via GOV.UK to update:
- Your contact name and correspondence address
- Bank account details for VAT repayments
- Your VAT return stagger (unless you operate a non-standard tax period)
- Partnership member details
This is the primary method to change VAT details securely and ensure records remain accurate.
Changing a Partner’s Details
If you need to update a partner’s personal details in a VAT-registered partnership, you must complete form VAT2 and send it to the VAT Registration Service.
Form VAT2 is specifically required for reporting changes to a partner’s name or home address. Online updates alone are not sufficient for this change.
Changing Your Company Name
The procedure depends on your business structure.
If your company has a Company Registration Number (CRN), you must notify Companies House. Companies House will automatically inform HMRC.
If you are registered for Self Assessment, you must inform the Self Assessment team directly.
If your business is established overseas, you must contact HMRC to update your company name.
Your Business Tax Account should reflect the new company name within approximately 15 days after the change is processed.
Changing Bank Details
You must tell HMRC at least 14 days before changing the bank account linked to your VAT registration.
If you pay VAT by Direct Debit:
- You must also notify your bank.
- Do not make changes within 5 banking days before or after your VAT return due date, as this can result in duplicate payments.
If you use the Annual Accounting Scheme, you must write to the Annual Accounting Registration Unit to change Direct Debit details. You must include your VAT registration number in your correspondence.
Taking Over VAT Responsibilities
If you take over the VAT affairs of someone who has died or become seriously ill and unable to manage their affairs, you must notify HMRC within 21 days.
You must:
- Register for VAT online, and
- Complete and post form VAT68, including the date of death or the date the illness began.
If reporting illness, you must attach a copy of the Power of Attorney to form VAT68.
Insolvency Practitioners
If you are acting as an insolvency practitioner and need to update VAT registration details, you must contact HMRC directly. Special procedures apply in insolvency cases.
Joining a VAT Group
If your business joins a VAT group:
- The group representative must complete forms VAT50 and VAT51.
- You must begin using the VAT group’s registration number once accepted.
- The representative member must notify HMRC of the new group member.
VAT groups submit a single VAT return covering all members.
When You May Need to Cancel or Transfer Registration
Some changes, such as ceasing to trade or transferring a business as a going concern, may require cancellation or transfer of VAT registration rather than simply updating details. These actions must also be reported promptly through GOV.UK.
Compliance Reminder
You must report most changes within 30 days, bank changes at least 14 days in advance, and takeover cases within 21 days. Missing these deadlines can trigger penalties or compliance action from HMRC.