Beginning spring 2026, HMRC will prioritise digital communication for most taxpayers already using online services. Here is what you need to know.
What Is Actually Changing?
Instead of postal letters, communications will arrive via:
- Messages in your Personal Tax Account or Business Tax Account
- HMRC app notifications
- Email alerts about waiting messages
Paper correspondence will continue for those who opt out or face digital exclusion, though it will become less common.
Why Is HMRC Doing This?
- Digital messages arrive instantly and cannot be lost in transit
- Reduced costs for printing and postage administration
- Seamless integration with online services and guidance materials
HMRC will also expand data-matching capabilities, comparing tax returns against information from banks, Land Registry, DVLA, and similar sources. From 2026, major online platforms will also send HMRC details of what UK sellers earn.
Who Will Feel This Most?
Employees: Tax code notices and reminders will shift online with email notifications replacing paper.
Self-employed and landlords: Digital record-keeping becomes standard. Making Tax Digital for Income Tax applies from April 2026 to those exceeding certain income thresholds.
Online sellers and hosts: Platform sales data flows to HMRC, making unreported side-hustle income significantly more visible.
What Should You Do Now?
Set up and check your HMRC online account
- Create or log into your Personal Tax Account / Business Tax Account
- Download the HMRC app to your phone
Keep your contact details up to date
- Ensure HMRC has current email and mobile information
- Enable notifications for incoming messages
Keep clean digital records
- Track all income sources: employment, self-employment, property, online sales
- Use software supporting Making Tax Digital if approaching income thresholds
Watch out for scams
- HMRC will never request bank details or passwords via email or text
- When uncertain, ignore links and log in directly through official channels
Final Thought
Tax management is becoming more digital and transparent rather than inherently more complicated. Maintaining organised records and regularly checking your HMRC online account will make things much easier. If you need help preparing, contact Ollen Services at hello@ollenservices.co.uk or call 07513 491 259.