Tax Credits: It’s time to update your award

HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) is reminding tax credits customers that they need to tell HMRC about any changes in their circumstances or income by 31 July.

Tax credits help working families with targeted financial support so it is important that people don’t miss out on money that they are entitled to.

Renewing tax credits online is quick and easy. Customers can log onto GOV.UK to check the progress of their renewal, be reassured that it’s being processed, and know 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.

HMRC’s Director General for Customer Services, Angela MacDonald, said:

“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 App on their smartphone to:

renew their tax credits;

check their tax credits payments schedule; and

find out how much they have earned for the year

Customers should be aware that criminals could take advantage of tax credits renewals to text, email or phone the public, offering fake support. The scams mimic HMRC messages in an effort to look genuine.

If someone texts, emails or calls claiming to be from HMRC, saying that a customer 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. People should check GOV.UK for information on how to recognise genuine HMRC contact.

Customers can get help and information on renewing tax credits:

On GOV.UK at  https://www.gov.uk/manage-your-tax-credits

Using their webchat service, by going to GOV.UK and searching ‘tax credits general enquiries’

By tweeting @HMRCcustomers or posting on our Facebook page with general queries

By using the HMRC App, available via your phone’s App store

Using the online forum (click on Tax Credits and You)

By calling the tax credits helpline: 0345 300 3900