If you are receiving tax credits you need to renew your claim by 31 July. If you don't, you'll only receive payments for a limited period after the end of the tax year. You'll also have to pay back these payments.

The Tax Credit Office will send you a renewal pack between April and June. You should read the instructions in your renewal pack carefully as they will tell you what to do next. If you haven't received yours, contact the Tax Credit Helpline on 0845 300 3900.

What if you miss the deadline?

Until your renewal is processed, you'll get provisional payments based on last year's award. But if you miss the 31 July deadline to renew your claim, these payments will stop and your award will be cancelled.

If your award is cancelled you will receive a notification from the Tax Credit Office. You will then have to pay back the provisional payments you have already received, and start again from scratch if you want to make another claim for tax credits.

But you do get a last chance. The Tax Credit Office will reinstate your award if you come back to them within 30 days of your payments being stopped. After that you may still have your payments restored, but you must give a good reason for missing the deadline.

For more information on how to renew your claim for tax credits click here