How do I know which address HMRC are sending the authorisation code to?
Understand where HMRC posts the PAYE authorisation code and how to confirm or update your address.
HMRC posts PAYE authorisation codes to the correspondence address held on your PAYE account.
This is usually the address used when your payroll was first set up, or the address of your previous payroll provider or accountant.
For security reasons, HMRC cannot email or share the code over the phone — it must always be sent by post.
📋 Step-by-Step: How to Verify Your Address
1️⃣ Check during registration
When you or your payroll agent request PAYE authorisation online, HMRC automatically uses the correspondence address they already hold for your account.
2️⃣ Confirm directly with HMRC
You can contact HMRC’s Online Services Helpdesk to verify which address they have on record:
📞 0300 200 3600 (Employers Helpline)
🕒 Monday to Friday, 8am–6pm
3️⃣ Review past correspondence
Check your most recent HMRC letters about PAYE or National Insurance Contributions.
The address on those letters is the one currently used by HMRC.
🏠 If the Address is Incorrect
If you believe HMRC has an outdated or incorrect address:
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Call the Online Services Helpdesk to confirm and update your details.
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If your agent (like Intelligent Payroll) requests authorisation and the address is wrong, HMRC will email the agent to confirm the code couldn’t be delivered.
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Once the address is corrected, a new authorisation code can be requested.
📮 What Happens After the Code is Sent
| Stage | What Happens | Timeline |
|---|---|---|
| Code Delivery | Sent to the employer’s correspondence address by post | Within 5–10 working days |
| Activation | Must activate PAYE Online within 28 days of the letter date | Within 28 days |
| Agent Access | Employer shares the code with their payroll agent | As soon as received |
| Expiry | Code expires automatically | After 30 days |
💡 Tip
To prevent delays, make sure HMRC correspondence is always directed to your current trading address.
Keep your PAYE Online record updated whenever you move or change payroll agents.
🤝 When We Can Help
Intelligent Payroll can:
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Confirm when the authorisation request was submitted
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Check HMRC’s acknowledgement
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Advise on verifying or updating your correspondence address
We cannot:
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Request or receive the code directly from HMRC
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Change your registered HMRC address on your behalf
📞 Need More Help?
If your authorisation code hasn’t arrived after 10 working days, raise a support ticket here:
👉 Contact us here