If you claim tax credits, then every year you must renew your claim by checking and signing a statement sent to you by HMRC and sending it back by 31 July. Last year more than ½ million households didn’t renew and so their tax credits were stopped.

Even worse it can trigger a letter from HMRC called a ‘notice of overpayment’ and this can mean you have to pay back some of the tax credits you have already had (and spent).

At the CAB we often help people sort out their Tax Credit muddle, but it can take a long time.

Everyone claiming Tax Credits has to renew, even when nothing has changed in your circumstances, you do not want to claim anymore or you do not think you are eligible to continue receiving them.

You can renew anytime from mid April until end July. HMRC have produced a help sheet about the renewal process.

It is available from their website at www.hmrc.gov.uk. Look out for the TV, radio and press adverts from HMRC called ‘Get it Right First Time’.

If you don’t currently claim Tax Credits, you can check if you are eligible using a short questionnaire on the HMRC website at http://taxcredits.hmrc.gov.uk/Qualify/DIQHousehold.aspx or ask your local CAB to do a benefit check for you.

Free, confidential advice and help is available on any aspect of this article as well as debt, benefits, employment, and any other problems.

You can contact the Grange or Windermere Citizens Advice Bureau by phone or in person.

Call 015395 33100 / 015394 46464 or www.cumbriarural.org.uk