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Where Taxpayers and Advisers Meet
HMRC extend the tax credits renewal deadline
31/07/2014, by Low Incomes Tax Reform Group, Tax Articles - General
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Many tax credits claims have to be renewed by 31 July. Due to industrial action around that date, HMRC have extended the deadline to 6 August.

Background

The tax credits renewals process involves claimants receiving a renewal pack from HMRC each year, which does two things: it finalises the claim for the tax year that has just ended (2013/14) and it acts as a claim for the new tax year (2014/15). The annual declaration form is normally to be completed by 31 July. As industrial action is planned by the Public and Commercial Services Union for 30 and 31 July, and 1 August, HMRC have extended the 31 July deadline until 10 pm on Wednesday 6 August 2014.
 

Tax credits renewals – the process

Claimants will receive either of the following:
 
  • A4 White envelope – this is a reply required renewal and means the claimant needs to renew their claim by completing their annual declaration form by 31 July (now 6 August). Claimants can complete the process by phone, by post and for the first time this year online via GOV.UK. Claimants who receive an annual declaration with the code TC603D2 or who need to change bank details must renew by phone or post).
  • A5 Brown envelope – this is an auto-renewal which means that the claimant only needs to contact HMRC if something is wrong, missing or incomplete on the form. Otherwise, HMRC will renew the claim automatically. Any changes to income or circumstances that need to be reported can only be done by phone or post.

 

The renewals process is compulsory if you have claimed tax credits at all during the tax year

Even if you no longer want to claim or think you are no longer entitled, if you have claimed tax credits at all during the 2013/14 tax year you will still be included in the renewal exercise and will need to make sure you follow HMRC’s instructions to complete and finalise your claim for the previous year.
 

Prepare for it to be busy

Those seeking to renew by phone may experience delays due to the very high number of calls this week and HMRC are encouraging claimants to seek alternative methods where possible. These include online at www.gov.uk/renewtaxcredits, by paper or by using the new Intelligent Telephony Automation (ITA) service, which uses speech recognition technology to capture customers' renewals. Claimants can access ITA by ringing the tax credits helpline number – 0345 300 3900 – and saying 'Renewals' when prompted.
 

Feedback to LITRG

LITRG are inviting tax credits claimants to tell them about their experience of the new ITA service by getting in touch at LITRG@ciot.org.uk.
 

Useful link

There is more information about renewals, including what happens if you miss the deadline, on LITRG’s main website.

About The Author

The Low Incomes Tax Reform Group (LITRG) is an initiative of the Chartered Institute of Taxation to give a voice to those who cannot afford to pay for tax advice. LITRG comprises tax specialists from professional practice and the voluntary sector, from publishing and from HM Revenue & Customs, together with people from a welfare benefits and social policy background. Visit www.litrg.org.uk for further information.
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