HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) have announced that from Spring 2026 they will be moving to a ‘digital-by-default’ approach for communications with taxpayers, gradually phasing out paper letters.
New and existing taxpayers who are already using digital services will be the first to automatically receive digital letters and will be able to view them in the HMRC app or their online account. To maintain security, users will receive an email notification to alert them a letter has been uploaded to their account and they will be prompted to login to view it. HMRC digital service users are either using the HMRC app or have a personal or business online tax account.
If you already use HMRC digitally, you may be asked to reconfirm personal details, such as email address and mobile phone number, when logging in, as HMRC prepare for the move to digital.
There will be an option to opt out of digital letters if you would prefer to continue receiving communications by post, but digital will be the default going forward. HMRC will also implement safeguards to support those who are digitally excluded, including some older taxpayers and those with disabilities.
If you would like to move to digital communications with HMRC, you can download the HMRC app and set up a Government Gateway ID and password. You will then be able to elect to receive letters and other notifications electronically.
The move to digital is part of HMRC’s commitment to modernise taxpayer communications, making interactions faster and more secure. HMRC aims for at least 90% of taxpayers’ connections to be digital by 2030, with projected savings of £50m in printing and postage costs.
This material is for informational purposes only and should not be relied upon as professional advice.
