The annual tax credit renewal period is now firmly underway. If you claimed tax credits during the 2018/2019 tax year and have not finalised your claim and moved to universal credit, then you should have received your renewal pack by now.
If you were expecting a renewal pack but haven’t received it yet then you should contact HMRC straightaway as something may have gone wrong.
If you receive a reply-required renewal pack – with a red line across the first page and an instruction to ‘reply now’ – then you must complete your renewal declaration by 31 July 2019, otherwise payments will stop.
If your actual income is not known, then an estimate can be given by 31 July 2019 but you must update HMRC with your actual income by 31 January 2020 once your self-assessment tax return has been completed.
If your actual income is more than you estimated then HMRC will ask for any over paid tax credits to be repaid. This can be done in one lump sum payment, or a smaller amount deducted each month from your tax credit payments.
If your actual income turns out to be less than you estimated, then HMRC will pay you the shortfall.
If you have received an auto-renewal pack – which shows the instruction to ‘check now’ – you only need to contact HMRC if there have been any changes to your income or circumstances or there are corrections to make.
Help and information on renewing tax credits is available from HMRC:
- On GOV.UK at https://www.gov.uk/browse/benefits/tax-credits;
- Using HMRC’s online forum (click on Tax Credits and You);
- Through HMRC’s webchat help service; or
- By calling the tax credits helpline: 0345 300 3900
Tax Credit renewals can be completed either:
- On-line, via the GOV.UK website
- Calling HMRC’s tax credits helpline (0345 300 3900 : textphone 0345 300 3909)
- By post to:
Tax Credit Office
HM Revenue and Customs
BX9 1LR
United Kingdom