In order to cut unnecessary use of paper, self-assessment customers will no longer receive automatic paper returns and are being encouraged to take advantage of the online service available.
Increasing numbers of people expect to engage with HMRC digitally. Last year alone, 94% of HMRC’s customers filed their return online and HMRC recently saw a 110% increase in customers registering to communicate digitally. Last year HMRC automatically sent out more than 500,000 returns.
The environmentally-friendly measure means that from April, instead of automatically receiving a paper return, taxpayers who have filed on paper in the past will now receive a short notice to file. If they still wish to file on paper they can download a blank version of the return or call HMRC to request one.
The notice to file will tell taxpayers HMRC intends to communicate with them digitally and provide them with information about managing their tax affairs through their Personal Tax Accounts.
Where HMRC can identify taxpayers whose personal circumstances mean they cannot file online, they will continue to receive a blank paper return.