HMRC issues one week warning to hundreds of thousands of tax credits customers

HMRC has warned thousands of tax credits customers that their payments could stop if they miss a major deadline.

More than 171,350 tax credits claimants have until Monday July 31 to renew their annual claim. 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.

‘Reply now’ customers must tell HMRC about their current circumstances. Life changes that must be declared include relationship changes, including marriage or separation, changes to the cost of childcare, if your child has left home and if working hours fall below 30 hours a week.

Try MEN Premium for FREE by clicking here for no ads, fun puzzles and brilliant new features.

They must respond to the request for information even if there have been no changes to their circumstances. 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.

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.”

HMRC is also warning customers to be vigilant of scams as the deadline draws nearer. 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 urging people not to