HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) is poised to phase out physical letters for millions of taxpayers next year. From April 2026, HMRC will no longer use traditional mailed letters as its primary communication method, moving instead to “digital letters.”
Currently, many taxpayers receive important updates through physical mail, including notifications about tax code changes, self-assessment reminders, and requests for information. However, with the new digital shift, taxpayers who opt into the fully digital system will receive these communications electronically.
Under this update, instead of a paper letter, taxpayers will get an email alert when a new digital letter has arrived in their HMRC online account. This change is part of broader improvements implemented under the current government to modernize tax communications.
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Sarah Coles, Head of Personal Finance at Hargreaves Lansdown, advises taxpayers to download the HMRC app to manage these changes smoothly. “It’s a good idea to get the app because letters will be delivered directly to it. Turn on notifications so you’ll know right away when a new message arrives,” she says.
Ensuring HMRC has accurate contact details is crucial. Users will be prompted to confirm and update their email addresses as the digital system rolls out, so it’s important to check these carefully.
To get started, users need to open the HMRC app and sign in with their Government Gateway user ID and password. If they don’t have a user ID, they can easily create one through the app. After initial sign-in, the app supports quick and secure access using a six-digit PIN, fingerprint, or facial recognition.
HMRC emphasizes their commitment to accessibility, noting the app is compatible with various assistive technologies to ensure ease of use for all taxpayers.
Overall, the HMRC app offers a convenient way to stay informed about tax, National Insurance, and benefits, making managing finances simpler in a fully digital environment.