Tax credits
Tax credit renewals
If you already receive tax credits, HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) will contact you after April each year to check that you were paid the correct amount for the last year.
HMRC will invite you to renew your claim for next year. Your payments will continue while your new award is being worked out.
If you have not heard anything by June, call the Tax Credit Helpline.
Renewal deadline
Some claims are renewed automatically, but most people have to renew their claims and provide more information.
This must usually be done by 31 July each year, or your payments will stop and you may have to repay some of the tax credit that you have already received.
It is a good idea to contact HMRC in April to provide up-to-date information about your income. This can help to avoid being paid too much in tax credits.
Payments may change
Once HMRC has worked out your new tax credit claim using the new details, your payments may change. If you have been underpaid, any money owed to you will be paid in a lump sum. If you have been paid too much, this will usually be taken from your ongoing payments – see overpaid tax credits for more.
How to renew
Claims can be renewed by completing the renewal form or by calling the Tax Credit Helpline.