Deed Poll for HMRC — Change Your Tax Records

Your National Insurance number stays the same — only your name changes.

£14.99 — instant PDF download Common questions ↓

Updating your name with HMRC after a deed poll is straightforward, but it is something many people overlook. Your National Insurance (NI) number does not change when you change your name — it is linked to your identity permanently. What changes is the name attached to that NI number in HMRC's records, and that update can have knock-on effects for payroll, tax returns, benefits, and pension contributions, so it is worth doing promptly.

If you are employed, the simplest route is to notify your employer of the name change and provide them with a certified copy of your deed poll. Your employer will then update their payroll records and communicate the change to HMRC through the RTI (Real Time Information) system. HMRC will automatically update their records based on what your employer reports. You do not need to contact HMRC directly if you are PAYE — your employer handles it.

If you are self-employed or file a Self Assessment tax return, you will need to update your name directly with HMRC — either by calling them, using the Government Gateway, or writing to them with a certified copy of your deed poll. Your UTR (Unique Taxpayer Reference) does not change. If you receive tax credits or Child Benefit, these are administered separately by HMRC and should also be updated.

1 Your details

Name you are changing from

First name

Middle name optional

Last name

Name you are changing to

First name

Middle name optional

Last name

Email address

Date of birth

Day

Month

Year

Your current address

Address line 1

Address line 2 optional

Town / City

Postcode

Date of deed

2 Witness details

A UK deed poll requires two witnesses. They must be adults, not related to you, and present when you sign. They do not need to be a solicitor.

Witness 1

First name

Last name

Address line 1

Town / City

Postcode

Witness 2

First name

Last name

Address line 1

Town / City

Postcode

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Common questions

Will my National Insurance number change?

No. Your National Insurance number is a permanent identifier tied to your record throughout your working life. It never changes, regardless of how many times you change your name.

Do I need to contact HMRC directly if I am employed?

Not necessarily. If you notify your employer and provide your deed poll, they will update payroll records and HMRC will be updated automatically via RTI. However, if you want to confirm the change directly, you can call HMRC or update via your Personal Tax Account online.

How do I update my name if I am self-employed?

Log into your Government Gateway account and update your personal details, or call HMRC on 0300 200 3300. You may be asked to provide your deed poll. Your UTR (Unique Taxpayer Reference) number does not change.

Do I need to update Child Benefit and Tax Credits separately?

Yes. Child Benefit and Tax Credits are administered separately within HMRC and will not automatically update when your income tax records change. Contact the relevant team to update each benefit individually.

What happens to my P60 and P45 from previous employment?

P60s and P45s in your old name remain valid records of earnings for tax purposes. For future employment, your P45 will be issued in your new name once your employer's records are updated. Old documents do not need to be replaced.

Deed Poll for HMRC — Change Your Tax Records

1 Your details

2 Witness details

Common questions

Will my National Insurance number change?

Do I need to contact HMRC directly if I am employed?

How do I update my name if I am self-employed?

Do I need to update Child Benefit and Tax Credits separately?

What happens to my P60 and P45 from previous employment?

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