personal finance

HMRC urges 2.5 million to look out for letter – payments could stop if you fail to act


People who receive the packs are being directed to check their details in the renewal pack. Should there be any change in circumstances, they will need to report this to HMRC.

It is possible to renew online via the Government website.

Customers can log into GOV.UK to check on the progress of their renewal.

They can be reassured it is being processed via this service, and find out when they will hear back from HMRC.

There is also an HMRC app which people can access via their smartphone.

This tool can be used to:

  • Renew their tax credits
  • Check their tax credits payments schedule, and
  • Find out how much they have earned for the year.

HMRC emphasised that tax credits help working families with targeted support, meaning it is very important people don’t miss out on the money they are entitled to.

Circumstances that could affect tax credits payments include changes to:

  • Living arrangements
  • Childcare
  • Working hours, or
  • Income (increase or decrease).

However, customers don’t need to report any temporary falls in their working hours which have arisen as a result of coronavirus.

HMRC said they will be treated as if they are working their normal hours until the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme – also known as the furlough scheme – closes.

“You must renew your tax credits by the date shown on your renewal pack,” the Government website warns.

For most people, this date is July 31, 2021.

There’s a very important reason not to miss the deadline, and this is because it could impact payments.

“If you miss the deadline your tax credits payments will stop.

“You’ll be sent a statement and will have to pay back the tax credits you’ve received since April 6, 2021.”

As well as urging people to keep an eye out for renewal packs, Britons are also being warned to be vigilant of scam attempts.

Criminals can take advantage of tax credit renewals, purporting to be from HMRC via text, email or phone, as they claim to offer taxpayers ‘rebates’ or threaten them with arrest if they don’t pay bogus tax owed.

Worryingly, many scams mimic Government messages to look authentic.

If someone gets in touch claiming to be from HMRC and asks for bank or other personal details, threatens arrest, or demands the transfer of money, it might be a scam HMRC said.





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