TAX credits customers in Dorset are being urged to renew their claims before the July 31 deadline.

HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) is warning people not to leave their renewal until the last minute and risk their payments being stopped.

Tax credits help working families with targeted financial support and more than 363,000 customers have already renewed ahead of the deadline.

Myrtle Lloyd, HMRC’s Director General for Customer Services, said: “The 31 July deadline is fast approaching and renewing your tax credits is too important to forget. HMRC support is available at all times of the day and night via GOV.UK and the smartphone app to help customers get their renewals right.

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“It’s great to see so many customers have already renewed their tax credits. I urge those who are yet to renew to do so as soon as possible, in order to avoid having their payments stopped.”

Customers can manage their tax credits quickly and easily online. Once tax credits customers have completed their renewal, they can use their online account to check its progress and find out when they will hear back from HMRC.

If there is a change in a customer’s circumstances that could affect their tax credits, they must report the changes to HMRC.

Read more: 20,000 families in South and West Dorset to receive £650

As part of the government’s package to support households with the rising cost of living, a payment of £650, payable in two separate lump sums of £326 and £324, for households receiving certain benefits or tax credits, has been introduced. For eligible customers receiving tax credits only and no other eligible benefits, HMRC will contact them to let them know they’re eligible and will issue payments automatically, with the first being made in the autumn.

Customers do not need to contact HMRC or apply for the payment.

Tax credits are ending and will be replaced by Universal Credit by the end of 2024.