Tax credit deadline edges nearer

Category: Money
Date: 7/15/2010

Tax credit claimants have been warned they must renew their claims by the end of the month if they don't want their payments to stop.

With the emergency Budget only serving to highlight the financial difficulties that lie ahead, it is imperative that you check your tax, tax credits and benefits and make sure any paperwork is sent off as soon as possible.

The deadline for tax credit claimants to get their forms to HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) is 31 July.

All you need to do is check that the information in the renewals pack you should have received is correct.

If there are any changes in your circumstances that you haven't already reported to HMRC during the year, such as your working hours, childcare costs or pay, then you must let them know.

Details of your income during the previous year must also be provided.

Having your payslips, your end of year P60 form and childcare details to hand will help you to fill out the forms accurately.

"There are only a few days left to renew your tax credits, so you need to take urgent action if you haven't already done so," said HMRC's director of benefits and credits, Steve Lamey.

"It's simple - if you don't renew your claim before 31 July, your payments will stop."

HMRC has also recently launched a series of new online help videos that guide tax credit claimants step-by-step through the renewals process.

They are available - as well as lots of other helpful resources on tax credit renewals - from the DirectGov website at direct.gov.uk/renewyourtaxcredits.