Hello my fellow AWEB friends. I have an ongoing issue with HMRC. I have a small but expanding practice and I have changed address twice in the last two years and if I am lucky will change again next year. this has been no issue with regards to HMRC registration with the exception of VAT. they are refusing to simply change our address. nope that would be far too simple. we need to de-register altogether as VAT agents, register again as agents for VAT and then reissue all of our clients 64-8's. I'm sure most of you will know the carnage that will cause with late VAT returns penalties etc. as well as just generally being a headache. anyone had this problem or found a way around it? HMRC are being their usual bloody minded awkward unhelpful selves. Cheers all!
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I have to say I moved address five years ago and had no problem.
Do they need to know you've moved ? Could be an advantage at a VAT visit. "Yes, of course you can visit our offices. I believe you have our address on file."
I think you are being a little too disrespectful to the Muppets here. Think of Miss Piggy's feelings, poor thing.
I have no answer to your problem but I can say that I have not completed a 64-8 for many years now, I always apply for authorisation online. There is still the hassle of getting the release codes from clients but they usually just phone or email the details to me.
Thanks for the replies. I also do the online 64-8's it just seems crazy that every time I change address I need to re-register all my VAT clients. we are constantly told that the public sector has no money, HMRC is underfunded etc. but surely something as simple as a change of address should be accomplished via a phone call. in fact it seems to me that many things could and should be done by the person we speak to after we have gone through the authorisation process. sorry for the rant, just can't believe in this day and age we can't just change address without all this hassle. good point on the VAT inspections though! :-)
As a VAT registered sole trader I have moved once in the last 10 years and just informed HMRC and that was that. I then incorporated and informed HMRC. Again no probs. They've never insisted I deregister and re-register as VAT agent.
I am not clear whether you/your business are registered for VAT yourselves and wonder whether that is the issue. Even if it is their attitude is ludicrous.
Would it be worth escalating your complaint to a higher being in HMRC (assuming there is one)?
Just address your letter to Head of HMRC c/o GoogleLand.
That is the fantasy world where many of the 'higher beings' live these days.
