10 July 2015

Tax credit on-line renewals - HMRC makes the process easier

The 31July tax credit renewal deadline is fast approaching and all claimants are encouraged to make sure they renew their tax credit claims on time, to ensure their awards for 2014-15 can be finalised properly and set up their renewal claim for the 2015-16 year. Missing the deadline means any payments made since 6 April 2015 are likely to become overpayments and will have to be paid back.

There is more information in our renewals section.

All claimants can renew by telephone, by post or on-line via the GOV.UK website, even where they have a change of circumstances to report to complete their renewal.

To make things easier, HMRC have temporarily suspended the need to confirm identity via the GOV.UK Verify system from the tax credit on-line renewal service and instead there will be simpler identity checks to safeguard security, so all claimants can use the on-line renewal service.

This is always a very busy time for the HMRC tax credit helpline as they take routine calls as well as the very high volume of calls from claimants renewing their claims. This year, the much improved on-line renewal option is a very welcome alternative and the temporary suspension of the trial Verify service means that claimants should be able use the on-line option more easily so there are more ways for everyone to renew and meet the deadline.