Households reminded to update tax credits information

Households on tax credits are being reminded to tell HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) about any changes in their circumstances or income by the end of this month, so that they can continue to receive “a vital source of support”.

Tax credits help working families with targeted financial support.

While most tax credit awards will be renewed automatically in 2020, the self-employed, those in receipt of taxable social security benefit, or those who have other income may need to review their total household income and tell HMRC if it is incorrect.

Renew your #taxcredits today. Avoid the deadline floating away.https://t.co/Xry5PCt7Ir pic.twitter.com/9yPfsjO63r

— HM Revenue & Customs (@HMRCgovuk) July 22, 2019

Customers who need to respond to their annual review pack will need to do so by July 31, or their payments could stop.

HMRC’s director-general for customer services, Angela MacDonald, said: “During these uncertain times, while the UK comes together to combat Covid-19, tax credits payments are a vital source of support for millions of people and their families.

“If you have been contacted by HMRC to provide your income details, I urge you to contact the department before July 31.

“Don’t leave it too late – get in touch and make sure the information we hold is correct.”

If any information HMRC holds is incorrect or incomplete, customers may have to pay back any tax credits that have been overpaid. They may also have to pay a penalty.

HMRC also warned people to watch out for criminals taking advantage of tax credits renewals to text, email or phone them, offering fake support.

The scams mimic HMRC messages in an attempt to appear genuine.

If someone texts, emails or calls claiming to be from HMRC, saying that a customer can renew a tax credits award or access financial help, and asks for credit card or bank details, it is likely to be a scam, the revenue body said.

People can check gov.uk for information on how to recognise genuine HMRC contact.