Tax credits customers have just a few days left to renew their applications or they risk having their payments stopped.

HMRC has issued a warning to more than 170,000 people who must renew their claim by the deadline.

Claimants who received a renewal pack with a red line across the first page and the words ‘reply now’ are being urged not to ignore the forms and respond to HMRC to guarantee that their payments continue.

Those whose packs had a black line across the first page and the words ‘check now’ need to only update HMRC if their details have changed. This could include changes to relationships, marriage or separation, differences in the cost of childcare, a change in working hours or that a child has since left home.

The ‘reply now’ instruction means that HMRC needs to know about a claimant’s current personal circumstances in order to continue offering financial support. Those customers, says HMRC, must respond to the request for information even if there has been no change to their circumstances.

People have until July 31 to renew their annual claim.

The quickest and easiest way for customers to renew their tax credits is online via the GOV.UK website or the HMRC app if they use it.

Myrtle Lloyd, HMRC’s Director General for Customer Services, said: “We know tax credits offer vital financial support for our customers so it is important that you renew by the deadline.

“It is quick and easy to renew online at GOV.UK or using the HMRC app, just search ‘manage my tax credits’ on GOV.UK.”

By the end of 2024 tax credits will have been replaced by universal credit for all remaining claimants – say ministers – who will be sent a letter when it is their time to switch.

Scam warning

Criminals frequently use tax credits renewals, and other deadlines, in scams to try and trick people into sharing banking or other personal details, the government is warning.

Typical scam examples include emails or texts claiming someone’s details aren’t up to date and that they risk losing payments.

If a phone call, text or email is unexpected, pleads HMRC, do not give out any information or be tempted to click or download links or attachments.