Taxman's warning over credit renewals

Thousands of people who receive tax credits in Sunderland are being urged to check their financial details.

HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) is sending out about 2.5million annual renewals packs to tax credits customers over the next six weeks and say it is the recipients’ responsibility to ensure their details are up to date.

The HMRC says it recognises that many tax credits customers will have been affected by the pandemic and may have earned less money than in previous years.

A spokesman said: “It is important that customers check the details contained in their annual renewal pack are correct, including income details.

"If there is a change in circumstances that could affect their tax credits claims, people must report the changes to HMRC.”

Circumstances which could affect tax credits payments include changes living arrangements, childcare, working hours, or an increase or decrease in income.

The HMRC says people do not need to report any temporary falls in their working hours as a result of coronavirus.

They will be treated as if they are working their normal hours until the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme closes.

The spokesman added: “Renewing online is quick and easy.

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

The HMRC says the renewal packs have already started to be sent out and that all customers should have received one of them by Friday, June 4.