More than 33,600 tax credits customers use HMRC app to renew
More than 33,600 customers have successfully used the HMRC app to renew their
tax credits claim so far this year, a 39% increase on last year, HM Revenue and
Customs (HMRC) has revealed.
Tax credits help working families with targeted financial support, so it is important
customers act now to renew before the quickly approaching 31 July deadline to
ensure their payments don’t stop.
HMRC is encouraging more customers to use the highly-rated app as it is a quick
and easy way to get this vital job done.
It is free and simple to use and allows direct access to tax credits at the touch of a
button. There are many benefits of the fully secure app, which can be used on any
smartphone or tablet, at any time, eliminating the need to call HMRC and helping
customers to save time and money.
Customers using the HMRC app can:
renew their tax credits
make changes to their claim
check their tax credits payments schedule, and
find out how much they have earned for the year
There are nearly 259,000 tax credits app users, who have used the app more than
10 million times in the last year to do things like check their payment dates and
amount.
Myrtle Lloyd, HMRC’s Director General for Customer Services, said:
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“Time is running out for our tax credits customers to renew their claims. It’s quick,
easy and free to complete a renewal on the HMRC app – search ‘HMRC’ in your
smartphone app store.”
Customers can download the app at the App Store or Google Play. Online reviews at
both indicate plenty of satisfaction with the app’s performance, as it currently holds a
score of 4.5 stars on the App Store, and 4.7 on Google Play.
HMRC has released a video to explain how tax credits customers can use the
HMRC app to view, manage and update their details.
Once signed into the app after initial download, there are options for users to set up
and select facial recognition, a fingerprint or a 6-digit pin to get fast and fully secure
access to their details.
Customers can also renew their tax credits and manage their claims online on
GOV.UK. Customers can log into GOV.UK to check on the progress of their renewal,
be reassured it’s being processed and know when they’ll hear back from HMRC.
The UK Government has recently announced a Cost of Living Payment of £650,
payable in two separate lump sums of £326 and £324, for households receiving
certain benefits or tax credits, to help with the cost of living. If receiving tax credits
only, they are eligible for each payment. HMRC will contact them and issue
payments automatically, with the first being made by the autumn. Customers do not
need to contact HMRC or apply for the payment.
More information on the Cost of Living Payment, including eligibility, is available on
GOV.UK.
Tax credits are ending and will be replaced by Universal Credit by the end of 2024.
Many customers who move from tax credits to Universal Credit could be financially
better off and can use an independent benefits calculator to check. If customers
choose to apply sooner, it is important to get independent advice beforehand as they
will not be able to go back to tax credits or any other benefits that Universal Credit
replaces.
As the deadline for renewals approaches, customers hurrying to sort out their
accounts could be more vulnerable to scammers. HMRC is warning people that if
someone contacts them saying that they are from HMRC and wants the customer to
transfer money urgently or give personal information, they should never let
themselves be rushed. HMRC is also urging customers never to share their HMRC
login details. Someone using them could steal from the customer or make a
fraudulent claim in their name. The department urges people to take their time and
check HMRC’s advice about scams on GOV.UK.
1. Find out more about renewing tax credits claims.
2. Customers can download the HMRC app for free from their smartphone app store.
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3. Find out more about Universal Credit replacing tax credits.
4. To sign into our tax credits service for the first time you’ll need to prove your identity
using 2 evidence sources. We’ve recently added GB driving licences as an
additional option to help more of our customers get online. You can find the full list of
accepted forms of ID at Manage your tax credits.
