Tax credit renewal deadline

HMRC is urging people to renew their tax credits before the July 31 deadline.

Tax credits help working families with targeted financial support.

More than 59 per cent of customers have renewed online or via the HMRC App.

The most popular times of day to renew by phone are between 10am-noon and 4.30-6.30pm, but customers can renew any time – day or night – through HMRC’s online services.

This year, HMRC has also launched a customerfocused service via Amazon Alexa to help answer some of the most frequently asked questions about tax credits renewals.

Customers with Amazon Alexa-enabled devices can ask Alexa to open HMRC and ask for direct links to information and renewals.

Last year 320,000 customers had their payments stopped or altered because they missed the deadline to inform HMRC of changes to their circumstances.

These include changes to working hours, income and childcare costs.

Online help and information on renewing tax credits is available GOV. UK and via HMRC’s customer service Twitter feed @HMRCcustomers. Support is also available on the tax credits helpline.

Claimants can get help and information on renewing tax credits: at https://www.gov.uk/ browse/benefits/ tax-credits; by tweeting @ HMRCcustomers or posting on the HMRC Facebook page with general queries; using HMRC’s app, which is available on the App Store or Google Play Store; using HMRC service on Amazon Alexa; using the online forum (click on Tax Credits and You); through HMRC’s webchat help service; or by calling the tax credits helpline: 0345 300 3900.