Tax credits renewal forms sent out

Lanarkshire residents are among the 2.1 million tax credits customers who have started to receive their annual renewal packs from HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC).

The packs will be sent out by May 27 and people have until July 31 to check their details are correct and update HMRC if there has been a change in any of their circumstances.

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

There are two types of renewal packs.

If it has a red line across the first page and says“reply now”, customers will need to confirm their circumstances to renew their tax credits.

And if it has a black line across the first page and says“check now”, people will have to check their details are correct – if correct, they do not need to do anything and their tax credits will be automatically renewed

Around 630,000 customers will need to confirm their circumstances to renew their tax credits for the 2022 to 2023 tax year.

Customers can renew their tax credits for free via GOV.UK or the HMRC app.

A spokesman for HMRC told the Reformer:“Renewing online is quick and easy.

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

“Customers choosing to use the HMRC app on their smartphone can renew their tax credits, update changes to their claim, check their tax credits payments schedule and find out how much they have earned for the year.

“If there is a change in a customer’s circumstances that could affect their tax credits claims, they must report the changes to HMRC.

“Circumstances that could affect tax credits payments include changes to living arrangements, childcare, working hours or income (increase or decrease).”

Tax credits are ending and will be replaced by Universal Credit by the end of 2024.

Many customers who move from tax credits to Universal Credit could be financially better off and can use an independent benefits calculator to check.

If customers choose to apply sooner, it is important to get independent advice beforehand as they will not be able to go back to tax credits or any other benefits that Universal Credit replaces.