Tax credit claimants have one month to renew claims

Tax credit claimants are reminded that they have just over one month to renew their claims before the 31 July deadline.

They are asked to act as soon as they receive a renewal pack from HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC).

HMRC's Director of Benefits and Credits, Steve Lamey, said: "You should be renewing your tax credits by now. The sooner you renew, the sooner we can check your payments are right so that you won't have to pay money back.

"It's simple - if you don't renew your claim before 31 July, your payments may stop."

Claimants are also urged to take care when renewing tax credits as errors could mean they receive less money than they are entitled to.

As part of a clampdown on tax credit error and fraud, HMRC is examining claims particularly closely this year. The focus is on claimants' statements on employment, self-employment, hours worked, childcare and children as well as any details that have changed since previous years' claims.

Claimants must let HMRC know of any changes in their circumstances that they haven't already reported during the year. These could be about working hours, childcare costs or pay. If asked, they must also provide details of the previous year's income.

Help and information on tax credit renewals can be obtained from:
hmrc.gov.uk/taxcredits/keep-up-to-date/renew-claim/index.htm