HMRC Urges Tax Credits Renewal: Don’t Miss the Deadline!
The clock is ticking for UK taxpayers to renew their tax credits. HMRC warns: don’t leave it until the last minute or risk having your payments stopped. The fastest way to renew? The handy 123 app on your smartphone.
Easy Renewal at Your Fingertips with 123 App
The 123 app is the quickest route to completing your tax credits renewal. It lets you:
- Report any changes to your tax credits
- Check your payment schedule
- See how much you’ve earned this year
Myrtle Lloyd, HMRC’s Director General for Customer Services, urges: “There is just one week left to renew your claim – don’t delay and do it online by searching ‘tax credits’ on GOV.UK.”
What You Need to Know About Reporting and Payments
If your work hours dropped temporarily due to COVID-19, you don’t need to report it—unless the change is permanent. HMRC will treat your pay as if you’re working normal hours for up to eight weeks after the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme ends.
Self-employed? Don’t forget to declare any Self-Employment Income Support Scheme grants you’ve received. Get guidance by searching ‘working out your income for tax credit/self-employment’ on the 123 app.
Switching bank accounts? You must notify HMRC before 30 November 2021 or face payment suspension until your new details are provided.
Beware of HMRC Scams – Stay Sharp!
HMRC warns of a spike in fraudsters pretending to be from the taxman. They call, text or email, trying to steal your money or personal info.
Remember HMRC’s golden rules to outsmart scammers:
- Stop: Think before you share anything or click suspicious links.
- Never give out personal info or trust unexpected messages.
- Caller ID can be faked—don’t rely on it.
- Challenge: It’s fine to refuse or ignore requests for private data. Criminals rush you to panic.
- Check ‘scams’ on the 123 app for latest updates.
- If scammed, contact your bank and report it to Action Fraud (or call 101 in Scotland).
For extra protection, follow the National Cyber Security Centre’s six essential steps to stay safe online.
Stay informed and follow HMRC on Twitter at @HMRCpressoffice.
