94% increase in online tax credits renewals

More than 750,000 people renewed their tax credits online, almost doubling last year’s figure, HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) revealed today.

Half of these people used a mobile phone or tablet to renew their tax credits on the mobile-optimised version of the online service, while half used a desktop computer or laptop.

The busiest day online was on 30 July when HMRC received around 55,000 renewals. Throughout the campaign, more than 950,000 people called HMRC’s tax credits hotline to renew, while more than one million renewed by post.

The online renewals service, which was developed in HMRC’s high-tech Digital Delivery Centres, has been welcomed by users, with customer satisfaction rates for the service reaching 90 per cent.

Nick Lodge, HMRC’s Director General, Benefits and Credits, said:

“It’s great to see so many more people renewing online this year – and giving the service the thumbs-up.

“It’s really important that people renew by the deadline to ensure their payments don’t stop. If you still need to renew, you need to contact us urgently.”

Anyone who has not yet renewed their tax credits but should have done so should call HMRC’s tax credits helpline (0345 300 3900) immediately to ensure their payments do not stop.

Notes to editors

1.Help and information on tax credits renewals is available from: https://www.gov.uk/browse/benefits/tax-credits.

2.The figures reported are provisional and may be subject to minor changes after verification.

3.In total, more than 2.5 million people renewed their tax credits before 31 July. 754,887 renewed online, 951,126 renewed over the phone and 1,055,948 renewed by post.

4.HMRC’s tax credits helpline (0345 300 3900) is open Monday to Friday, 8am to 8pm, and Saturday from 8am to 4pm.

5.Follow HMRC’s press office on Twitter @HMRCpressoffice

6.HMRC’s Flickr channel: www.flickr.com/hmrcgovuk