Over 3 million renew tax credits on time

More than three million people renewed their tax credits on time, with many taking advantage of the new online option, HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) announced today.

For the first time, 390,000 renewed via GOV.UK – nearly half of whom used a mobile phone or tablet to renew. The busiest day online was 31 July when over 21,000 claimants renewed. Over 1.2 million people called HMRC’s tax credit hotline to renew, while over 1.3 million renewed by post.

David Gauke, Financial Secretary to the Treasury, said:

“I am delighted so many people have renewed on time, ensuring they get the financial help they are rightly entitled to. I’m pleased that so many took the option of renewing online via GOV.UK or through the phone app, showing HMRC is truly becoming digital by default and making services simpler and cheaper for taxpayers.”

Anyone who has not yet renewed their tax credits but should have done so should call HMRC straight away to ensure their payments do not stop.

Notes for editors

1.  Claimants can get help and information on tax credits renewals from: gov.uk/browse/benefits/tax-credits and the Tax Credits helpline – 0345 300 3900.

2.  The free HMRC app is available in the iTunes and Google Play stores.

3.  Follow the tax credits renewals conversation on Twitter using #TaxCredits and #RenewNow

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

5.  HMRC’s Flickr channel www.flickr.com/hmrcgovuk