Household Bills
Over a million people have less than a week to renew tax credits
More than a million people have less than seven days to renew their tax credits or risk having their payments stopped, according to HMRC.
Claimants have until 31 July to renew their Working Tax Credit or Child Tax Credit. If they miss the deadline, they could have their payments stopped or may have to pay back money received since 6 April 2018. They may even have to pay a penalty.
Last year 320,000 customers had their payments stopped or altered because they missed the deadline to inform HMRC of changes to their circumstances. These include changes to working hours, income and childcare costs.
HMRC recommends renewing online or via its app. Customers can also renew over the phone.
The tax authority has also developed a new service via Amazon Alexa where customers can request information about renewing tax credits.
Angela MacDonald, HMRC’s director general of customer services, said: “We’ve improved our services so customers can renew their tax credits at a time that’s convenient to them but the 31 July deadline is fast approaching.
“There is a wealth of support available at all times of the day and night from HMRC via GOV.UK, the app, or Alexa to help customers get their renewal right.
“I urge customers who have yet to renew their tax credits to do so as soon as possible, to avoid their payments being stopped.”
