HMRC extends tax credits renewal deadline
Strike action buys claimants more time to renew.
HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) has announced it’s extending the deadline for tax credits renewals by a week, from Wednesday 31st July to Wednesday 6th August.
The body said it was granting the extra time because of strike action by HMRC helpline staff who are members of the Public and Commercial Services Union, taking place today, Thursday and Friday.
The industrial action, which has been timed to coincide with the renewal deadline, is expected to cause ‘long delays’ for people trying to renew their tax credits over the phone.
Lin Homer, Chief Executive of HMRC, said:
“It is a great shame that the union is asking HMRC staff to strike, deliberately putting the livelihoods of hard-working families at risk to further an industrial dispute.We are giving people additional time to renew as we are determined to do everything we can to minimise the impact on tax credits claimants.”
What are tax credits?
Tax credits are benefits paid by the Government to support those with children and/or workers on a low income.
There are two types of tax credits- child tax credit and working tax credit. Eligible claimants can apply for one or both.
Why do they need renewing?
Each year HMRC sends out renewal packs between April and June to those receiving tax credits, asking to check the accuracy of the information they hold and to report any changes in their circumstances.
More than half a million claimants still have to renew their tax credits this year.
Those that fail to do it on time risk losing the payments they receive and may be asked to repay what they’ve received this year.
How to renew your tax credits
For the first time HMRC is offering people renewing the option of doing it online; either on the renewal website or using the HMRC app available in the iTunes and Google Play stores.
Claimants can also use the post or call 0345 300 3900 to renew.
Read: How to renew your tax credits for more.
However you decide to renew the new deadline is 11.59pm on Wednesday 6th August.
More on tax:
Tax codes: how to check you are on the right one
HMRC to raid 17,000 bank accounts a year to retrieve unpaid tax
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