HMRC to stop sending most letters to taxpayers

HMRC aims to save £50million from this decision as it believes that delivering its services online will be more cost effective. 

Routine messages, including tax code updates, are already available through HMRC’s app, but this change effectively makes its use mandatory for all. HMRC is receiving an additional £1.6billion investment from the Government for its IT systems to facilitate this move. 

In March, HMRC reversed its decision to close phone lines to self-assessment tax return queries and insist on taxpayers sending letters and decided to keep the phone query service after customer feedback. Proposed reductions in opening hours for the VAT and PAYE helplines were also cancelled. 

What do I need to do? 

Ensure you have the HMRC app set up with notifications switched on, with access for everyone in your business who needs it. 

Check that all relevant staff have access to the business’ HMRC online account – usually accessed via the Government Gateway – and that two-factor authentication is not set up to go to a device held by an ex-staff member or someone who may not be contactable when needed. 

HMRC has shared tips on communications settings for its app and online services here.

Last updated 18 Jun 2025 | First published 18 Jun 2025

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Helen Wood, CA

Helen is a qualified chartered accountant (CA) and joined TaxAssist in 2025 following three years as a freelance content writer for clients in the tax and accounting publishing sector. Prior to this, She spent 17 years at Big Four and Top 10 accountancy firms. Helen writes clear and helpful articles on tax and accounting for businesses and individuals.

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