Families and individuals who receive tax credits should renew their claims by 31 July 2010.  Claimants who do not renew on-time may have their payments stopped.

Claims should be renewed by completing the renewals pack sent by HMRC earlier this year.  HMRC need to be notified where there have been changes to the family size, child care costs, number of hours worked and salary.  Details of previous year’s income also need to be completed on the form to allow HMRC to check if the correct tax credits have been paid.

Any further changes which take place during the year should be notified to HMRC immediately, such as significant changes in salary or the birth of a new child.

Any families or individuals who receive a ‘nil’ award or only the full family element of the child tax credit do not need to take any further action once the details included on the statement from HMRC are correct.  These claims will be automatically renewed.