More than 1,500,000 renew tax credits with a month to go

More than 1.5 million people have renewed their tax credits already, with four weeks left until the 31 July deadline.

HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) announced today that around 500,000 of those claimants have chosen to renew their tax credits online. Around 750,000 renewed using the online service in the whole of last year’s tax credits renewal period.

There are four weeks to go until the deadline, by which time a total of 3.1 million people will have to renew their tax credits.

Claimants must tell HMRC about any changes to their circumstances that they haven’t already reported, including changes to working hours, childcare costs or income. These changes can be reported through GOV.UK, or via the new HMRC app. 

Renewing online is quick, convenient and easier than ever before. There is also a special team to support the most vulnerable customers who cannot go online. People who we know need special support are being contacted by our customer support teams.

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

“We are delighted that many people are choosing to renew online. The online service means that people can renew at any time of the day or night, without having to call us.

“Online help is there to support people and our webchat facility can also answer most queries you may have.”

Online help and information on renewing tax credits is available on GOV.UKand via HMRC’s customer service Twitter feed @HMRCcustomers. Support is also available on the tax credits helpline.

Notes to editors

1. The deadline for people to renew their tax credits is 31 July 2016. Failure to renew before the deadline will mean payments are stopped and they may have to repay the money they have received since April.

2. Claimants can get help and information on renewing tax credits:

• On GOV.UK at https://www.gov.uk/browse/benefits/tax-credits
• By tweeting @HMRCcustomers or posting on our Facebook page with general queries
• Using HMRC’s app, which is available on the App Store or Google Play Store
• Through HMRC’s webchat help service
• By calling the tax credits helpline: 0345 300 3900

3. Follow HMRC’s Press Office on Twitter @HMRCpressoffice

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