County news: Less than a month left to renew your tax credits

The South East's 462,200 tax credit claimants are urged to renew early and online, with only weeks left until the July 31 deadline.

Out of 3.1 million people nationwide who will have to renew their tax credits, a little over 1.5 million people have done so.

Tax credits provide extra income for people who are responsible for children, disabled workers, and workers on low income.

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Claimants have to tell HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) about any changes to their circumstances that they haven’t already reported, including changes to working hours, childcare costs or income.

HMRC is encouraging people to do so through www.gov.uk or via the new HMRC app.

Around 750,000 people used the online service last year, and around 500,000 have already done so this year.

Nick Lodge, HMRC’s Director General for benefits and credits, said: “We are delighted that many people are choosing to renew online. The online service means that people can renew at any time of the day or night, without having to call us.

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“Online help is there to support people and our webchat facility can also answer most queries you may have.”

HMRC provides a team of advisors to help people who need special support, or who cannot go online.

Online help and information on renewing tax credits is available on GOV.UK and via HMRC’s customer service Twitter feed @HMRCcustomers. Support is also available on the tax credits helpline: 0345 300 3900

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