I know that I need to contact HMRC to inform them I've changed my name (for tax records) but I noticed they ask for — on their online form at least — tax code or something for security reasons (proof of identity I think it says).

Problem is that I only just finished education in June and I've not managed to find a job since that time so I've never been given a tax code or anything (which I understand you receive in your first job[?]).

So I'm a little at a loss. In this case do I need to inform them? I mean do they have any records of me with me not having worked before?

Sorry if I sound a little foolish. I've never really had to deal with anything like it before so it's all new to me.

As a somewhat related note, I may well end up signing on once this (and other outstanding stuff) is sorted. That said, I hear they want your P45 or something similar too which, obviously, I don't have!

If anyone can help clarify this it'd be great.

Thanks.

Clare.

You need to WRITE to them. NOT online - old fashioned snail mail and sent RECORDED delivery. Keep the proof of posting too. You can get the relevant address from the phone book. Send it to the local tax office in the first instance and ask them to forward it on if it needs to go elsewhere.

Email is no good. YOU MUST have proof of sending and you should specifically request a letter back from them acknowledging your letter. This is very important. Make absolutely sure that you tell them that you need a formal reply!

Also try to get acknowledgement letters of change of name/gender requests from every organisation that you contact.

MAKE SURE you keep them, because you will need them when you come to apply for your gender recognition certificate.

To be granted a certificate, you have to prove the date on which you transitioned and for the purposes of the act that will be taken as the date on which you had changed the majority of your official records.

If you have no letters of acknowledgement there is a good chance that your application for a gender recognition certificate will either be refused due to lack of evidence or delayed.

Quote from: rejennyrated on February 23, 2011, 03:54:18 AM
You need to WRITE to them. NOT online - old fashioned snail mail and sent RECORDED delivery. Keep the proof of posting too. You can get the relevant address from the phone book. Send it to the local tax office in the first instance and ask them to forward it on if it needs to go elsewhere.

Email is no good. YOU MUST have proof of sending and you should specifically request a letter back from them acknowledging your letter. This is very important. Make absolutely sure that you tell them that you need a formal reply!

Also try to get acknowledgement letters of change of name/gender requests from every organisation that you contact.

MAKE SURE you keep them, because you will need them when you come to apply for your gender recognition certificate.

To be granted a certificate, you have to prove the date on which you transitioned and for the purposes of the act that will be taken as the date on which you had changed the majority of your official records.

If you have no letters of acknowledgement there is a good chance that your application for a gender recognition certificate will either be refused due to lack of evidence or delayed.

Thanks for that. I was going to put in that I wanted them to send me a response to say it's all changed and correct. I would've sent it by recorded delivery anyway I think since I'm going to be sending it with my deed poll but thanks for the tips.

Is it from specific departments/organisations that I need for the GRC? I'm just thinking I've already had a bank account changed so that might be useful as proof (the statement perhaps). I'm going to assume though that they take it as from the last thing that gets changed?

Do you know if I need to send it anywhere specific? I was told to send to a specific address that deals with trans people and other sensitive matters.

Thanks for your help anyway. I'll get it and everything else sent off soon (hopefully before next week).