HMRC is urging Working Tax Credit customers to check if they need to update their working hours if these have reduced as a result of coronavirus.
During the pandemic, Working Tax Credit customers have not needed to tell HMRC about temporary short-term reductions in their working hours as a result of coronavirus – for example if they were working fewer hours or were furloughed. It was one of several measures introduced to help those facing uncertainty around their working hours.
If a Working Tax Credit claimants hours temporarily fell because of coronavirus, they have been treated as if they were working their normal hours.
Claimants do not need to tell HMRC if they re-establish their normal working hours before 25 November 2021, but from then on, they must do within a one-month window if they are not back to working their normal hours shown in their Working Tax Credit claim.
Myrtle Lloyd, HMRC’s Director General for Customer Services
We introduced this measure last year to help support working families. It is vital that Working Tax Credit claimants who have benefitted from it update HMRC with their working hours if they have reduced, and they won’t return to their normal level before 25 November.
Anyone who is no longer eligible for Working Tax Credit due to a change in their circumstances may be able to apply for other UK Government support, including Universal Credit.
Claimants should continue to tell HMRC about any permanent changes to their circumstances within one month – for example if they are made redundant, lose their job or their hours change permanently during this time. This will ensure only those who are entitled to tax credits receive them, otherwise those ineligible or due a lower rate of payment will have to pay them back later.
Any changes can be reported online on and check Working Tax Credit claim details. If claimants receive tax credits they are not entitled to as a result of a change they will need to repay this money and may also have to pay a penalty if they do not let HMRC know within one month.
HMRC are also reminding claimants that Post Office card accounts are closing. From 30th November 2021 they will stop making payments of Child Benefit, Guardians Allowance and tax credits into Post Office card accounts.
Child Benefit and tax credits customers who use Post Office card accounts to receive their payments will need to notify HMRC of their new bank, building society or credit union account details. HMRC is encouraging customers to act now so they do not miss any payments once their Post Office account closes. They can contact HMRC’s helplines (0345 300 3900 for tax credits or 0300 200 3100 for Child Benefit) or use their Personal Tax Account.
PAYadvice.UK 30/9/2021
