I have a similar question: You're flying into an uncontrolled field, on an IFR flight plan. The airport is VMC so you request the visual, but you stay on the IFR flight plan (i.e. you don't cancel and keep your squawk code). ATC tells you to switch to CTAF and cancel once you're safely on the ground. While on CTAF, you execute a go-around for whatever reason. As previously mentioned, I assume you will fly the pattern for another try but is it required to contact Center and advise them of your intentions (i.e. G/A, staying in pattern for another attempt)?

From a pilot's perspective, a visual approach would seem like you can do whatever you need to without telling Center because you're maintaining VMC. But from a controller's perspective, with traffic following in or just the fact that they're seeing something they're not used to seeing on their scope, would probably want to know what the pilot's intentions are?

What are your thoughts?