HM REVENUE AND
CUSTOMS News Release (SPEC 09/09) issued by COI News Distribution
Service on 1 June 2009
HM Revenue &
Customs (HMRC) has issued an important reminder to tax credits
claimants - make sure you renew your claim by 31 July, otherwise
your payments could stop.
If you're claiming tax credits, you should have received a
renewal pack by now, containing details of your 2008/09 award. You
need to check this, and let HMRC know of any changes in your
circumstances, such as your working hours or pay. You will also be
asked to provide details of your previous year's income, so
HMRC can check you're receiving all the tax credits
you're entitled to.
When renewing, make sure you have all the relevant information to
hand, such as your childcare details and, if you're employed,
your payslips and end-of-year P60 form.
And once you've renewed your claim, don't forget to let
HMRC know about any subsequent changes in your circumstances as
soon as they happen.
HMRC's Director of Benefits and Credits, Richard
Summersgill, said:
"Renewing your tax credits claim is simple and
straightforward. So, once you've received your pack,
don't put it off. The sooner you renew, the sooner we can
make sure that you're getting the right money."
Notes for editors
1. Tax credits currently benefit around 6m families in the UK.
2. For any questions about your claim, the best place to start is
the HMRC website at http://www.hmrc.gov.uk/taxcredits.
If that doesn't provide the answers, help and advice is
available from the tax credits helpline on 0845 300 3900, which is
available from 8.00am to 8.00pm, seven days a week.
3. Claimants on 'nil awards', and those receiving only
the full family element of Child Tax Credit, will just receive the
statement of their 2008/09 award. If these details are correct, no
further action is needed, and their claims are automatically
renewed. However, if the details on the award statement are wrong,
they must tell HMRC.
Issued by HM Revenue & Customs Press Office
Press
enquiries only please contact:
Tel: 020 7147
0394
Website http://www.hmrc.gov.uk