Renewals must be made by 31 July

The deadline for people to renew their tax credits is 31 July. Any changes in circumstances or income must be notified to HMRC by that date. Renewing can be done online by logging on to GOV.UK or using the HMRC app.

While most tax credit awards will be renewed automatically in 2020 self-employed people those in receipt of taxable social security benefit or those who have other income may need to review their total household income and tell HMRC if the income held is incorrect. According to the Low Incomes Tax Reform Group this is a departure from the usual process for many claimants. Automatic renewal means that HMRC states the claimant’s circumstances on a renewal notice and the claimant needs to contact HMRC only if the income shown or circumstances detailed are wrong. Otherwise HMRC will finalise entitlement for 2019-20 and put...