Tax credit claimants reminded to renew

Tax credit claimants have been reminded by HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) to renew claims by the 31 July deadline or their payments may stop.

They are asked to act as soon as they receive a renewal pack from HMRC.

Claimants need to check the accuracy of the information in the pack as HMRC may follow up some of the information with employers. They also need to let HMRC know of any changes in their circumstances that they haven't already reported during the year. These could be about their working hours, childcare costs or pay. If asked, they must also provide details of the previous year's income.

Having the right documents to hand will help reduce errors when they are filling out the form or calling the tax credits helpline. These would be, for example, payslips, end of year P60 forms and childcare details.

HMRC's Director of Benefits and Credits, Steve Lamey, said: "We ask people to renew their tax credits as soon as they receive their pack. They need to make sure their details are correct. The sooner they renew, the sooner we can make sure they are getting the right money.

"It's simple - if they don't renew their claims before 31 July, payments may stop."

Help and information on tax credit renewals can be obtained from the DirectGov website at direct.gov.uk/renewyourtaxcredits