Is HMRC monitoring on my emails?

HMRC has a data analysis IT system called Connect which crunches billions of pieces of data to provide HMRC teams with profiles of taxpayers who are at higher risk of tax avoidance or evasion. To learn more about Connect, see our article here. 

What is HMRC’s Connect system? 

HMRC’s Connect system has access to lots of databases so it can compare your tax returns with other government agencies such as Companies House, the Land Registry and the Department for Work and Pensions but also third-party organisations such as credit reference agencies, online selling platforms, banks and social media.  

Is HMRC using Connect to spy on taxpayers? 

Some media stories have raised concerns that HMRC is using Connect to ‘spy’ on taxpayers, as HMRC is allowed to look at taxpayers’ web history, bank accounts or emails.  

HMRC has stated that it only uses the AI tools within Connect to look at social media accounts as part of criminal investigations into tax fraud and not as part of its day-to-day activity for regular taxpayers. 

If you sell your old clothes on Vinted occasionally or post on Instagram about a foreign holiday, this doesn’t mean HMRC will be writing to you with a tax demand – they are looking for big errors in tax returns or deliberate tax evasion. 

So, who is HMRC ‘spying’ on? 

HMRC uses Connect and its investigatory powers to look at taxpayers who are declaring a lower income than other information sources suggest, For instance if they are selling a high volume of vintage clothes on eBay but aren’t declaring trading income, or they have properties for rent but aren’t declaring rental income. Social media posts may also be sought as evidence. For more information on the data HMRC can collect on you, see their privacy notice here. 

Need help? 

If you’re worried you haven’t got all of your tax affairs in good order, call TaxAssist Accountants on 0203 859 0589 or via our contact form here to get everything up to date and give you piece of mind. 

First published 5 Nov 2025

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This article is intended to inform rather than advise and is based on legislation and practice at the time. Taxpayer’s circumstances do vary and if you feel that the information provided is beneficial it is important that you contact us before implementation. If you take, or do not take action as a result of reading this article, before receiving our written endorsement, we will accept no responsibility for any financial loss incurred.

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