HMRC Transformation Road Map

BY:

Gail Leeson
24 July 2025

SHARE:

The UK Government has recently released the Transformation Roadmap, a comprehensive document that outlines HMRC's strategic reform. This roadmap, published on 21st July, details the government’s ambitious plans to modernise the HMRC tax and Customs system over the spending review period, with a clear vision for 2030. 

The Transformation Roadmap outlines HM Government’s vision for a more efficient, modernised, and automated tax and Customs system, with a substantial shift towards the use of Artificial Intelligence and the gathering of data from cross-government departments, and where applicable, between 3rd party actors.


For those involved in the international cross-border movement of goods, interest will focus on how HMRC will transform their interaction with traders, agents, and intermediaries in the use of more effective and efficient cross-border IT systems


The article also confirms funding for the recruitment of 2400 Tax Debt Officers and 5500 Compliance EmployeesWe can therefore conclude that there is a movement towards tightening controls on compliance and tax enforcement across HMRC. This was previously announced within the Spring budget, although this confirms HMRC's commitment to scale compliance efforts to close the tax gap.


Government Prepares to Scale Compliance Audit Efforts


There was considerable disappointment at the cancellation of the Single Trade Window (STW) project in autumn 2024This policy communication appears to suggest that this transformation and modernisation strategy will move towards digitalisation and interdepartmental communication, making the STW a possibility in the future.


For the HMRC's modernisation efforts to be successful, the organisation must collaborate closely with its customers, partners, and stakeholders. Their active involvement in implementing these changes will be crucial to ensuring their effectiveness and efficiency.


A smooth transition towards any changes in IT systems and the supporting software, for example, will be essentialThe EU Exit saw the implementation of numerous new IT systems to ensure that the cross-border movement of goods continued smoothly. Many would challenge that this was successful.


Improvements in published guidance, with a clear notice period for impact and change, will be vital if traders are to see the improvements that the Transformation Road Map aims for.


A link to the Transformation Road Map is below:


HMRC's Transformation Roadmap - GOV.UK


OneCall™ Email assistance as and when required; A one-call solution for all your import, export and customs enquiries. Export help. Import help. Customs help.

Stay informed about customs and international trade matters by subscribing to our OneCall™ service. This comprehensive offering includes a dedicated email helpline for support, timely practical updates direct to your inbox (Did You Know?), monthly UK Customs & Trade Briefings and access to an interactive members' area with an exclusive community for our subscribers.

Subscribe Today ➝

International Trade Updates & Spotlight Newsletter

Subscribe to our free information emails covering international trade topics...

Subscribe to our newsletter ➝

MORE INDUSTRY INSIGHTS...

by Gail Leeson 24 July 2025
HMRC has published the latest addition to its suite of Customs Technical Handbooks, the Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) Customs Technical Handbook, on 23 July 2025.
by Niamh O'Connor 24 July 2025
Prime Minister Kier Starmer is set to meet with Prime Minister Narendra Modi of India today, 24th July 2025, for the signing of the UK-India Trade Agreement. The agreement will then move to be ratified in parliament before coming into force, enabling both countries to trade under its terms.
by Gail Leeson 24 July 2025
NTE 2025/22 advises traders of the release of the General Trade Licence Russia Sanctions – Sectoral Software and Technology. Both the NTE and the licence were published on 21 st July 2025.
Show More