Tax credits customers need to tell HMRC about any changes in their circumstances or income by 31 July 2020.

Tax credits help working families with targeted financial support. Unlike other benefits, tax credits usually have to be renewed each year as the amount of money you’ll receive depends on how much money you earned in the previous year.

Not everyone has to renew their tax credits every year – but if you do the deadline is 31 July.

How to renew tax credits

Renewing tax credits online is quick and easy.

Customers can log onto GOV.UK to check the progress of their renewal, and find out when they will hear back from HMRC.

While most tax credit awards will be renewed automatically in 2020, the self-employed, those in receipt of taxable social security benefit, or those who have other income may need to review their total household income and tell HMRC if the income held is incorrect.

Customers who need to respond to the annual review pack will need to do so by 31 July – or their payments will stop.

Angela MacDonald, HMRC’s director general for customer services, says: “During these uncertain times, while the UK comes together to combat Covid-19, tax credits payments are a vital source of support for millions of people and their families.

“If you have been contacted by HMRC to provide your income details, I urge you to contact the department before 31 July. Don’t leave it too late, get in touch and make sure the information we hold is correct.”

If any information HMRC holds is incorrect or incomplete, customers may have to pay back any tax credits that have been overpaid. They may also have to pay a penalty.

Customers can use the HMRC smartphone app to:

• renew their tax credits
• check their tax credits payments schedule
• find out how much they have earned for the year

HMRC has warned that criminals could take advantage of tax credits renewals to text, email or phone the public, offering fake support.

If someone texts, emails or calls claiming to be from HMRC, saying you can renew a tax credits award or access financial help, and asks for credit card or bank details, it’s likely to be a scam.