31 July – Tax Credits claim deadline

Don’t miss the renewal date as your payments could be stopped!

According to HMRC, around a million people still need to renew their tax credits, ahead of the 31 July deadline.

If you claimed working tax credit and/or child tax credit at any time during the 2023/2024 tax year, you need to renew or confirm your tax credits or your payments could be stopped.

Am I still eligible?

There are two types of tax credit: The child tax credit and working tax credit. You could be eligible for tax credits if you’re on a low income, a disabled worker or responsible for children.

If you’re responsible for a child under 16 (or 20 if in further education or training) you could be eligible for the child tax credit.

You don’t need to be in work.

Working tax credit is available to those working a certain number of hours each week and aged between 16 and 24 with a child, a certain disability or aged over 25 with an income below a certain level.

Each year, tens of thousands of people have their payments stopped or altered because they fail to inform HMRC of changes to their circumstances by the 31 July deadline. These include changes to working hours, income and childcare costs.

What do I need to do by 31 July?

If you’ve already claimed tax credits, then you should have been sent a renewal pack. If it says ‘reply now’ and has a red line across the first page, you’ll need to reply before 31 July. If your renewal pack says ‘check now’ you’ll need to check the details held by HMRC to make sure they’re still correct. You don’t need to do anything if the information is correct and up to date.

If your details have changed, let HMRC know. If you don’t tell them by 31 July your payments could be stopped or you could face a fine.

The quickest way to renew is online but you can do it by phone or by post.

To renew, you’ll need your national insurance number, your total income, including your partners, for the last tax year and details of any changes in circumstances.

Where can I go for more information?

This year, HMRC has launched a customer-focused service via Amazon Alexa to help answer some of the most frequently asked questions about tax credits renewals. Customers with Amazon Alexa-enabled devices can ask Alexa to open HMRC and ask for direct links to information and renewals.

You can also find more information at GOV.UK and via HMRC’s customer service Twitter feed @HMRCcustomers. Support is also available via the tax credits helpline, through HMRC’s webchat help service and by calling the tax credits helpline on 0345 300 3900.

The deadline is only a few days away, so don’t miss out or risk facing a fine. Go online and renew straight away.

We can help

If you’re not sure if you’re eligible for tax credits, speak to your accountant or speak to HMRC.

We understand that tax compliance, the right returns and claims filed in the correct way on a timely basis is important.

We don’t want you to miss out on benefits you’re entitled to.

So, if you think we can help, just speak to one of our friendly team at your local THP office located in  Sutton, Chelmsford, Wanstead, Saffron Walden anytime.