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Mums currently receiving tax credits are being urged to renew their claim by 31 July, otherwise their payments could stop.

Mums who haven't yet renewed their claim will need to check their 2008/09 award statement - part of the renewals pack they should now have received from HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) - and let them know of any changes in their circumstances, such as their working hours or pay or childcare details.

And once you've renewed your claim, don't forget to let HMRC know about any subsequent changes in your circumstances as soon as they happen.

HMRC's Sara Gaines said:

"We'd urge mums to renew their tax credits claim as soon as possible, so it's all sorted before the busy summer holidays. So don't leave it until the last minute, renew your claim now."

For any questions about your claim, the best place to start is the HMRC website at http://www.hmrc.gov.uk/taxcredits. If that doesn't provide the answers, help and advice is available from the tax credits helpline on 0845 300 3900, available from 8.00am to 8.00pm, seven days a week.

Claimants on 'nil awards', and those receiving only the full family element of Child Tax Credit, will just receive the statement of their 2008/09 award. If these details are correct, no further action is needed, and their claims are automatically renewed. However, if the details on the award statement are wrong, they must tell HMRC.