HMRC has confirmed that from spring 2026, it will begin phasing out traditional postal letters in favour of a digital by default communication model.
Taxpayers who use the HMRC app or their Personal Tax Account will stop receiving paper letters automatically and will instead receive email notifications when new correspondence is available to view online.
This move forms part of HMRC’s wider modernisation programme, aiming for 90% of taxpayer interactions to be online or digital by 2029/30, and is expected to save around £50 million a year in printing and postage. Legislation in the Finance Bill 2025–26 will support the transition by allowing HMRC to require digital contact details from users of online services.
Who will still receive paper?
Those who are digitally excluded or who actively opt out will continue receiving paper letters. HMRC has confirmed that individuals will not be forced into digital communication if they cannot reasonably access online services. [which.co.uk]
What this means for clients
- Fewer brown envelopes: Most correspondence will be delivered digitally, with email notifications prompting you to check your HMRC account.
- Paper won’t disappear entirely: If you prefer paper, you can opt out, and those unable to access digital services will continue to receive letters.
- Everything stored securely online: All HMRC documents will sit in one place within your digital tax account, reducing the risk of misplaced paperwork.
- Faster updates: Notifications will arrive more quickly than traditional post, helping you stay up to date with tax matters.
- Keep your details up to date: As HMRC will rely on digital contact information, it’s important that your email address and other contact details are accurate to ensure you don’t miss important correspondence.
If you have any questions about how the changes may affect you, or if you need help reviewing your HMRC digital setup, we’re here to support you. Please contact your local Streets office or email info@streets.uk
