Remember to renew your tax credits!
If you receive tax credits, you can expect to receive a renewal pack anytime from next week.
You’ll need to make sure you follow the instructions in this pack or risk missing out on £1,000s, and even face having to pay money back.
The packs are being sent out between 2 May and 15 June, and you’ll have until the 31 July to renew.
What are tax credits
There are two forms of tax credits – working tax and child tax credit.
You can claim tax credits if you’re on a low income, you’re registered as disabled or you have dependent children.
The amount you get depends on your situation but you’re looking at up to £2,280 a year for the basic element of working tax credit or as much as £3,235 a year if you claim the child element of child tax credit.
Wondering whether you should be claiming tax credits?
Tax credits are being phased out so, if you haven’t made a claim before, you’ll have to apply for universal credit instead. Everyone is due to be switched onto the newer benefit by 2024.
If you think you might be missing out on benefits, we can check you’re claiming everything you’re entitled to. So get in touch or try a benefits calculator.
How do I renew my tax credits?
If you’re a current claimant and want to carry on receiving tax credits, your renewal pack should contain all the information you need.
You’ll receive one of two different packs. Whether you need to respond to continue receiving tax credits depends on the pack you receive.
If you receive a pack with a red line across the first page that says ‘reply now’
You need to:
- confirm that your circumstances are correct
- you can do this on the gov.uk website, on the HMRC app or by calling 0345 300 3900
If you receive a pack with a black line across the first page that says ‘check now’
You need to:
- check that your details are correct
- if they are, you don’t need to do anything else and your tax credits will be renewed automatically
What to do if your pack doesn’t turn up
If you haven’t received your pack by 15 June, contact HMRC and they’ll send you one out.
Rebecca Routledge
A qualified journalist for over 15 years with a background in financial services. Rebecca is Money Wellness’s consumer champion, helping you improve your financial wellbeing by providing information on everything from income maximisation to budgeting and saving tips.
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