Steve Lamey, Director of Benefits and Credits at HM Revenue & Customs reminds Tax Credit claimants: Renew your claim by the end of July to prevent your payments being stopped.

If you receive Tax Credits you must renew your claim by 31 July 2011 or your payments may stop. In fact it’s a good idea to renew your claim as soon as you receive a renewal pack from HM Revenue & Customs, so we can make sure you are getting the right money.

What do I Need to Do to Renew my Tax Credit Claim?

You need to:

• Check the accuracy of the information in your renewal pack – we may follow up some of the information with employers;
• Let us know about any changes in your circumstances that you haven’t reported in the last year. For example, these could be changes to your working hours, childcare costs or pay;
• Let us know if any of the information shown in your renewal pack is wrong;
• If we ask for it, you must also provide details of the previous year’s income.

How can I Make Sure the Information I Give is Correct?

Having the right documents to hand when you are filling out your renewal form or calling the Tax Credits Helpline, helps avoid mistakes. The documents could include:

• Forms showing your total wages for the year such as payslips, end of year P60 forms or P45 forms;
• If you are self-employed, your business accounts or your tax return;
• Details of your childcare provider;
• Any award notices that we have sent you during the year.

This year, claimants whom we consider likely to make claims that contain significant errors, or that are fraudulent, will face more checks than before when they renew. The checks will include claimants’ statements on employment, self-employment, hours worked, childcare and children as well as any details that have changed since previous years’ claims.

My Renewal Pack Hasn’t Arrived - What should I Do?

If your renewal pack hasn’t arrived by 15 July 2011, contact the Tax Credit Helpline on 0845 300 3900.

Where can I Go for More Help?

Help and information on renewing your Tax Credits is available online at Renewing Your Tax Credits Claim

Article Added Tuesday, 17 May 2011 | 1104 Hits

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