HMRC advised that the first phase of scanning capability for handling customer correspondence relating to HMRC's compliance checks has now been implemented. This first phase will include enquiries into Self-Assessment returns of non-business customers and compliance checks on employers.

HMRC's plan is to implement scanning for the large majority of its compliance checks during 2011–12, and it is intended that more information on the timetable for doing so will be provided in September.

Scanning of incoming mail will mean that the documents and letters received will be linked to the customer case record and therefore available to Caseworkers within 36 hours. It is also intended that this will assist in reducing the risk of post going astray. A single PO Box address and case reference will be used to identify the mail that is part of this process and these details will be shown on HMRC's outgoing mail.