HMRC is to end the automatic sending of paper Self Assessment returns to encourage more people to file online in a bit shift toward digital filing.

Self Assessment taxpayers will no longer receive automatic paper returns,

The Revenue says that more people are filing digitally with 94% of taxpayers required to Self Asset now submitting their return online.

HMRC has also seen a doubling of users registering to communicate digitally.

Last year HMRC says it automatically sent out more than 500,000 paper returns.

Taxpayers will still have the option to file a paper return if they choose but HMRC will encourage those who are able to file online to do so in this way.

Taxpayers who have filed on paper in the past will now receive a short notice to file.

If they want 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 that HMRC intends to communicate with them digitally and will give them information about managing their tax affairs through their Personal Tax Accounts.

People with personal circumstances that mean they cannot file online will continue to receive a blank paper return.

Paper will also be cut when HMRC stops providing more than 3m blank P45s and 11m P60s in April. Commercial software used by most employers can produce these, says HMRC.