Tax credits claimants have one week to renew claims

Tax credits claimants are being reminded that they have about one week to renew their claims by the 31 July deadline - or payments might stop.

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

“We are asking claimants to renew immediately. The sooner they do, the sooner we can check their payments and avoid paying too little, or too much money, which they then have to pay back.”

Tax credits renewal packs have been sent to about 5.8 million people since April. Last year more than 80 per cent of claimants renewed by the 31 July deadline.

HMRC asks claimants to check the accuracy of the information in their packs, and to tell the department about any changes to circumstances that they haven’t already reported. These include altered working hours, childcare costs or pay. They must also tell HMRC whether they are single or living with a partner.

Claimants can renew by calling the Tax Credits helpline - 0345 300 3900, or post their renewal to the address in the pack that was sent to them.

Help and information is also available here.

Notes for editors

1. Follow HMRC on Twitter @HMRCgovuk

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