Got a Letter from HMRC? Here's What It Means — Free Scanner

Why does HMRC send letters?

HMRC communicates exclusively by post for most official matters — they do not send emails or text messages about tax affairs (any such message is a scam). Letters arrive for a wide range of reasons, from completely routine notices to genuine compliance requests.

The most common types of HMRC letters include: Self Assessment registration confirmation, annual tax summaries (P800), payment reminders, requests for more information (called "enquiry" letters), penalty notices, and refund notifications. The vast majority require no action at all — or only a simple response.

The 5 most common HMRC letters — and what they mean

1. Tax Calculation (SA302 / P800)

This tells you how much tax HMRC thinks you owe or are owed as a refund. If it shows a refund, you'll normally receive it automatically. If it shows underpayment, check the figures carefully — mistakes happen. Urgency: Low.

2. Payment Reminder

HMRC is reminding you that a payment deadline is approaching or has passed. The key dates are 31 January (balancing payment + first Payment on Account) and 31 July (second Payment on Account). Urgency: Medium — pay promptly to avoid interest.

3. Penalty Notice

You've been fined for a late filing or late payment. The minimum late filing penalty is £100, rising to £900 after 6 months. You can appeal penalties if you have a reasonable excuse — act within 30 days of the notice. Urgency: High.

4. Enquiry Letter (S9A / COP9)

HMRC wants to check specific entries on your tax return. This is not necessarily an accusation of wrongdoing — many enquiries are random. However, you must respond within the timeframe given. If you receive a Code of Practice 9 (COP9) letter, seek professional advice immediately. Urgency: High.

5. UTR Confirmation

Your Unique Taxpayer Reference (UTR) — a 10-digit number you need to file Self Assessment. Keep this safe. Urgency: Informational.

What to do when you receive an HMRC letter

1. Don't ignore it — even routine letters may require a response
2. Check the deadline — HMRC letters always include a response date
3. Scan it with our free tool to get an instant plain-English summary
4. Gather any documents or figures mentioned in the letter
5. Respond within the given timeframe, or call HMRC on 0300 200 3310

How our HMRC Letter Scanner works

Our scanner uses AI (Claude by Anthropic) to read your letter and return a structured summary: what type of letter it is, the urgency level (Low / Medium / High / Urgent), the key deadline, a plain-English explanation of the situation, and a list of recommended actions.

You don't need to create an account. Simply take a photo of your letter (or upload a scan), and you'll have an explanation within seconds. One free scan is available to everyone — no login required.