HMRC will stop sending most paper letters from spring 2026 as it accelerates its shift to digital communication. Email alerts will replace automatic postal letters, directing taxpayers to view new documents in their personal tax account or the HMRC app. The change is part of HMRC’s digital by default plan, which aims for 90% of interactions to be online by the 2029/30 tax year and is expected to save £50 million a year in print and postage.

Only taxpayers who are digitally excluded, or those who actively opt out, will continue to receive letters by post. HMRC confirmed that anyone already using the HMRC app or a personal tax account will be among the first to move to digital notifications. When logging in, they will be prompted to provide or confirm their email address or mobile number. These details will be used solely to alert users that new correspondence is available in their online account.

HMRC stressed that taxpayers who do not use digital services will continue to receive paper letters. Safeguards will be in place to ensure that the elderly and those with disabilities can rely on traditional communication if needed.

Legislation in the Finance Bill 2025/26 will give HMRC the power to require digital contact details from users of its online services. The rollout will begin in spring 2026 and expand gradually as systems are updated.

HMRC states that the change will free staff to support those who most need help, while enhancing the speed and reliability of communications. Paper versions will remain available and must meet the same clarity standards as digital formats.

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