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Record numbers renew their tax credits online

Press release -

Record numbers renew their tax credits online

Around one million people have renewed their tax credits online this year, compared to 750,000 in 2015.

This comes after further improvements to the tax credits digital service, which was supported by a new web chat function. Web chat advisers supported around 225,000 people to complete their renewal, offering customers a service to midnight and beyond as the deadline approached.

The busiest day for online renewals was Sunday 31 July, with more than 44,000 online renewals received. The busiest day on the telephones was Friday 29 July, when more than 32,000 renewals were received by phone. 1060 people from across HMRC were trained to answer renewals telephone calls from customers, helping to keep average phone call waiting times under five minutes over the entire renewals period.

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

“We are delighted that so many people have chosen to renew online and use the new web chat service.

“But anyone that hasn’t renewed needs to contact us immediately if they don’t want their payments to stop”.

Anyone who has not renewed will have their payments stopped and may have to pay back any payments they’ve received since April. They must contact HMRC immediately – either online at GOV.UK or over the phone (0345 300 3900).

Notes to Editors

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

2.Total number of renewals received this year: 2,536,900

  • Online: 987,000 (39%)
  • Phone: 808,800 (32%)
  • Post: 741,100 (29%)

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

4.HMRC’s tax credit helpline (0345 300 3900) is open from 8am to 8pm Monday-Friday and 8am to 4pm Saturday. Closed Sunday.

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

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

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Issued by HM Revenue & Customs Press Office

HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) is the UK’s tax authority.

HMRC is responsible for making sure that the money is available to fund the UK’s public services and for helping families and individuals with targeted financial support.

Contacts

HMRC Press Office

HMRC Press Office

Press contact 03000 585 018

HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) is the UK’s tax authority

HMRC is responsible for making sure that the money is available to fund the UK’s public services and for helping families and individuals with targeted financial support.

HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC)
100 Parliament St
SW1A 2BQ London