Bosses at HM Revenue and Customs have issued an urgent warning to anyone receiving tax credits.
The benefit, which helps working families, could be stopped if you do not update your information with the HMRC by July 31.
Any changes in circumstances or income have to be declared to the authority by the end of July.
If any information HMRC holds is incorrect or incomplete, customers may have to pay back money. They might also be hit with a penalty charge.
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.”
How to update
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 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 can get help and information on renewing tax credits:
- On GOV.UK at https://www.gov.uk/manage-your-tax-credits
- Using our 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
