HMRC is notifying self-assessment taxpayers that they will no longer receive paper returns automatically.

Almost 97% of self-assessment customers filed their returns online for the 2023/24 tax year, with just 135,000 people choosing to submit paper returns.

In a letter to these taxpayers, HMRC will encourage them to complete their returns using the online service in the future, which it says is quicker, more accurate and better for the environment. The letter will also include guidance on how to file online.

Some taxpayers are unable to pay online, while others need to use a paper return due to the complicated nature of their liabilities.

Exemptions include higher-rate taxpayers who have non-saving income less than their available tax reliefs and those with savings or dividend income above the threshold.

With seven months to go until the paper returns deadline on 31 October, HMRC reassured taxpayers who prefer to file via post, saying:

"Customers who can't or choose not to go digital do not need to worry - while our paper form will no longer be available to download, it will be available to request from 6 April by calling us."

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