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HMRC is pressing ahead with plans to make digital communication the norm, with most paper correspondence set to be phased out from spring 2026.
The move is part of a broader effort to modernise how HMRC interacts with taxpayers, streamline internal processes and reduce costs, with savings of around fifty million pounds a year anticipated.
Over time, the expectation is that the majority of routine contact between taxpayers and HMRC will take place online or through the HMRC app.
What will change in practice?
From 2026, taxpayers who already use HMRC’s online services or mobile app will no longer routinely receive letters through the post.
Instead, they will be sent an email or notification prompting them to log in to their personal tax account to view new messages or documents.
Paper correspondence will not disappear altogether. Taxpayers who opt out of digital communications or who are classed as digitally excluded, will still be able to receive letters in the traditional way.
HMRC has stressed that choice will remain, but for anyone already engaged digitally, electronic contact will become the default.
To support this shift, new powers expected to be introduced through the latest Finance Bill will allow HMRC to request digital contact details, such as an email address or mobile number, at key points including annual submissions.
This is intended to ensure HMRC can issue alerts consistently across different tax services.
A gradual transition rather than an overnight change
The move to digital communication will not happen all at once. HMRC systems are being updated in stages and some areas are not yet fully capable of operating online.
Inheritance Tax is one example where paper forms and correspondence remain essential for now.
HMRC has also acknowledged that improvements are still needed to ensure digital guidance and messaging are as clear and user-friendly as traditional letters.
Security is another key focus, particularly following last year’s incident involving personal tax accounts.
Importantly, HMRC has confirmed that paper-based support will continue for those who cannot access digital services, including older taxpayers and individuals with disabilities.
What does this mean for taxpayers?
For most people already using online services, the biggest change from 2026 onwards will simply be fewer brown envelopes arriving through the letterbox.
Instead, communication will be driven by email prompts and app notifications directing taxpayers to their online account.
While this may feel like a small operational change, it does place greater responsibility on taxpayers to regularly check their HMRC account and keep their contact details up to date.
If you would like help understanding how these changes may affect you or need support transitioning to HMRC’s digital services, please get in touch.
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