More than 171,350 tax credits customers have until 31 July to renew their annual claim and HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) is urging them to not miss out.
Customers who received a renewal pack with a red line across the first page and the words 'reply now' must respond to HMRC or risk having their payments stopped.
Customers whose packs had a black line across the first page and the words 'check now' only need to update HMRC if their details have changed.
'Reply now' customers must tell HMRC about their current circumstances. Life changes HMRC needs to know about include:
- relationship changes, including marriage or separation
- changes to the cost of childcare
- your child leaves home
- working hours fall below 30 hours a week
The full list of changes that could affect customers' tax credits is on GOV.UK. 'Reply now' customers must respond to the request for information even if there have been no changes to their circumstances.
The quickest and easiest way for customers to renew their tax credits is online at GOV.UK or via the HMRC app.
Myrtle Lloyd, HMRC's Director General for Customer Services, said:
We know tax credits offer vital financial support for our customers so it is important that you renew by the deadline on 31 July. It is quick and easy to renew online at GOV.UK or using the HMRC app, just search 'manage my tax credits' on GOV.UK.
Help and support is available on GOV.UK for customers renewing claims and HMRC has released a video to explain how tax credits customers can use the HMRC app to view, manage and update their details.
Criminals use tax credits renewals and other deadlines in scams to attempt to trick people into sharing their banking or other personal details. Typical scam examples include emails or texts claiming an individual's details aren't up to date and that they risk losing out on payments that are due to them.
If a phone call, text or email is unexpected, do not give out private information or reply, and do not download attachments or click on links.
HMRC is also warning people not to share their login details with anyone else. Visit GOV.UK f
