Tax credits online renewal form launched

With the tax credits renewal deadline of July 31 less than one month away, HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) has launched a new online service for all claimants to use.

Just over 1.5 million claimants still need to renew their claims by the 31 July deadline, or their payments might end. Last year more than 650,000 failed to renew on time.

This year, as well as being able to renew by post and phone, claimants can renew online, on GOV.UK, or via the HMRC app. So far 135,000 people have submitted their tax credits renewal online, with a consistent 96 per cent satisfaction rate.

Nick Lodge, Director General of Benefits and Credits, HMRC, said:

“Loads of people have already renewed their tax credits claim online, and have found it quick and easy to do. We’ve now made it even better and are encouraging everyone to renew online if they can, at a time that suits them. The most important thing is to renew before the 31 July deadline, so as not to risk losing your money.”

HMRC asks all claimants to check the accuracy of the information in their renewals pack, and to inform the department about any changes to their circumstances that they haven’t already reported, such as to their working hours, childcare costs or pay.

Notes for editors

1. Tax credits renewal packs have been sent to 5.8 million people since April. Claimants are asked to act as soon as they receive a pack. Last year more than 87 per cent of claimants renewed by the deadline.

2. Claimants can get help and information on tax credits renewals from: website: gov.uk/browse/benefits/tax-credits  

telephone: Tax Credits helpline – 0345 300 3900

3. The free HMRC app is available in the iTunes store and the Google Play store.

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

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

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