FAMILIES who receive tax credits should renew their claim now to avoid losing out.

The renewal form for the payments - which include Working Tax Credit and Child Tax Credit - should be sent to the Inland Revenue straightaway, to avoid any delays.

The call came from David Warren, president of West Yorkshire Society of Chartered Accountants.

He said: "At the end of each tax year the Inland Revenue reviews all tax credit awards made during that period.

"If you have an award in payment at the end of the tax year, they will continue to make payments on a provisional basis for a limited period.

"But for your payments to continue as normal for the full year you will need to renew your award. Time is of the essence," he added

The Inland Revenue sent out Annual Review Packs in stages between April and July, so most people will have received theirs by now.

Mr Warren said: "You won't lose out because you will continue to receive payments throughout the renewal process, regardless of when you receive your pack."

Further information is available at http://www.inlandrevenue. gov.uk/renewals/ index.htm