Tax credit deadline looms for claimants

People who don’t renew by the deadline will have their payments stopped so it’s vital they do it as soon as possible. And improvements to the online system mean it’s never been so easy.

In Lancaster, 10,200 people claim tax credits.

For the first time anyone can now renew online, regardless of what changes they have to make. Previously, large numbers of customers had to call HMRC or renew by post.

But this is no longer the case and HMRC is urging everyone to beat the queue and get online.

When customers renew their claim, they must tell HMRC about any changes to their circumstances that they haven’t already reported, including changes to working hours, childcare costs or income.

Everyone can notify HMRC of these changes on GOV.UK when they receive their pack and renew their claim. The online service has proved very popular, with nearly nine in 10 people using it saying they were happy with the process. On average, it takes 10-20 minutes to renew online.

A special team is there to support the most vulnerable customers who cannot go online, and some 2,000 people who need special support will be contacted by the customer support teams.

Online help and information on tax credits renewals is available on GOV.UK or via HMRC’s customer service Twitter feed @HMRCcustomers.

Claimants can get help and information on tax credits renewals at www.gov.uk/browse/benefits/tax-credits.