Those paying tax by direct credit, BACs or other electronic methods will need to check the payment details they use to be sure that they make payments to the correct HMRC bank account.

Announced earlier this year, but now taking effect, HMRC is moving all of its banking arrangements over the next six months. First to change, from April 2009 onwards include PAYE, Self Assessment, Corporation tax, VAT and NIC. Those businesses and individuals with automatic payment arrangments should ensure that they check details before making a payment.

The guidance [1]indicates that not all banks are able to accept the new HMRC payment account details at present, so businesses may need to check first before trying to alter payment details. There are two banks in use - Citi and Royal Bank of Scotland depending on the type of payment. Payments will still be accepted into the old HMRC bank accounts for a transitional period, but businesses would be well advised to start making changes now so that they avoid wasted time later if and when payments go astray.