With only seven days to go until the deadline, the 561,800 tax credit claimants in the North West are being warned to renew their claims so their payments don’t stop.
HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) announced today that around two million people across the UK have renewed their tax credits, but that leaves more than a million in danger of losing their payments if they don’t renew before Sunday 31 July.
Claimants must tell HMRC about any changes to their circumstances that they haven’t already reported, including changes to working hours, childcare costs or income. These changes can be reported through GOV.UK, or via the new HMRC app available on Android and Apple devices.
Renewing online is quick, convenient and easier than ever before, and there is a special team to support the most vulnerable customers who cannot go online. People who HMRC knows may need special support are being contacted by customer support teams.
Nick Lodge, HMRC’s Director General, Benefits and Credits, said:
“It’s great that millions of people have renewed their tax credits or reported changes so far, but anyone who hasn’t done so yet should take action now – it only takes a few minutes to renew online.
“There are more ways than ever before for people to renew their claim – including our new app – so I urge people to renew now.”
Online help and information on renewing tax credits is available on GOV.UK and via HMRC’s customer service Twitter feed @HMRCcustomers. Support is also available on the tax credits helpline.
