The deadline for renewing tax credits is 31 July 2009, the HMRC has reminded.

The deadline for renewing tax credit claims is fast approaching – failure to renew by 31 July 2009 could mean an end to payments.

To renew, claimants simply need to fill in the renewals form sent to them by HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC). To fill out the details needed, claimants should have the necessary information to hand, such as an end of year P60 form, payment slips and childcare details.

Stephen Timms, Financial Secretary to the Treasury, said: “Tax credits provide vital help to six million families across the UK. So if you haven’t renewed your claim, it’s essential you do so now, so your payments continue.”

Tax credits are government payments. Those eligible for Child Tax Credits include people with at least one young person living with them, while workers on a low wage could be entitled to Working Tax Credits.

The amount paid is dependent on factors such as your income from the tax year ending 5 April 2009, how many children you have and how many hours you work.

The system is, however, open to abuse. A married mother of four was recently jailed for 12 months in Scotland for fraudulently claiming she was single with five children. Anne-Marie Gordon, HMRC Assistant Director of Investigation in Scotland, commented:  “The majority of people are honest and claim only what they are entitled to, but those who believe that they can beat the system, and gain an advantage over everyone else without a second thought, should think again.

“I would encourage anyone with information about this type of fraud to help us catch these cheats by calling the HMRC tax credit hotline on 0845 300 3900.”

To find out more about tax credits or for help filling out claims, visit: http://www.hmrc.gov.uk/taxcredits or phone its helpline 0845 300 3900, open seven days a week from 8am to 8pm.