Tax credits deadline: Customers at risk of losing out

The tax authority has called on customers whose circumstances have changed in the last year or who have received a letter to reconfirm their income details to contact HMRC.

Failure to respond by the deadline may mean tax credits customers receive incorrect tax credits payments and may end up having to repay any overpayments.

“Tax credits provide much needed financial support to our customers. But we know that many customers leave it to the last minute to renew their tax credits award," said HMRC’s director general for customer services, Angela MacDonald.

“The time to renew your tax credits is now, you don’t need to wait until deadline day on 31 July.”

Customers who received an annual review pack or text and have already made their declaration including confirming their income and circumstances, don’t need to do anything else. However, customers that disagree with any of the information in the pack or letter are being advised to contact the HMRC, especially if they are self-employed and the income the tax authority holds for 2019/20 is an estimate. 

"Renewing tax credits online is quick and easy", according to HMRC.

Customers are told to log onto GOV.UK to check the progress of their renewal, be reassured that it is being processed, and know when they will hear back from HMRC.