More than 171,350 tax credits customers have until July 31 to renew their annual claim and HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) is urging them to not miss out. 

Customers who received a renewal pack with a red line across the first page and the words ‘reply now’ must respond to HMRC or risk having their payments stopped.

Customers whose packs had a black line across the first page and the words ‘check now’ only need to update HMRC if their details have changed.

‘Reply now’ customers must tell HMRC about their current circumstances.

HMRS says the quickest and easiest way to renew tax credits is online at GOV.UK or via the HMRC app.