What to do if you missed the tax credits deadline

If you didn't renew your Tax Credits in time, here's what to do now.

Nearly half a million people missed the Tax Credit renewal deadline, according to HM Revenue & Customers (HMRC).

Around 455,000 people who normally receive some form of Tax Credit failed to renew their claim, meaning they now risk the payments being cancelled.

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What are tax credits?

Tax Credits are payments from the Government which help those in need to make ends meet. For those responsible for at least one child there's the Child Tax Credit, while those on low incomes may be able to claim the Working Tax Credit.

People who receive Tax Credits will be sent an Annual Declaration form and/or Annual Review Notice. If you only get the Notice then your claim will be renewed automatically, but if you get the form too then you will need to renew your credits.

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What to do if you missed the deadline?

The original deadline of 31st July was extended until 6th August as a result of strike action from staff at HMRC.

The taxman has urged anyone who missed the deadline to get in touch as soon as possible, otherwise the payments will be stopped.

You can call the Tax Credits helpline on 0345 300 3900. There is also lots of information on the Tax Credits section of the Gov.uk website.

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