HMRC Modernising Outbound Communications
6th February 2026
HMRC has announced plans to modernise its outbound communications, with a gradual move away from routine paper correspondence towards digital communication.
From April 2026 taxpayers will be moved to digital communication by default, if you still wish to receive paper communications you will need to opt out of digital communication and opt back into paper communication.
To help support this transition HMRC intend to collect additional contact information, such as email addresses, when taxpayers digitally interact with HMRC, for example when a taxpayer submits an online tax return.
At present communication that generates HMRC revenue is currently still planned to be issued via post, this would include outstanding tax reminders or non-compliance notifications.
Digital communications will be accessed through your HMRC app, via your business or individual online tax account. HMRC’s objective is for at least 90% of its communication with taxpayers to be delivered digitally by the 2029/30 tax year.
HMRC has indicated that this shift will help reduce costs, with estimated savings of £50 million per year in printing and postage by the 2028/29 tax year.
What you need to do:
Taxpayers should ensure that they have access to the HMRC app or have their online account set up.
This can be set up via this link:
Businesses should also ensure that all relevant individuals have appropriate access to the business’s HMRC online account to avoid missing important communications.
