Department highlights potential of voice activated technology for dealing with renewals before deadline
HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) has developed a service using Amazon Alexa to help people in renewing their tax credits.
It has also made a public call for taxpayers to use its app in carrying out enquiries and transactions, pointing to the 31 July deadline for tax credit renewals.
The department has gone public in encouraging taxpayers to use Alexa - the voice activated artificial intelligence system - in asking for help and information with a change of circumstances, payment information, or a renewal.
It said the system can be accessed by telling the software to “open HMRC” and that no personal information is stored on it.
Online customers can also log into GOV.UK to check the progress of their renewal.
Angela MacDonald, HMRC’s director general for customer services, said: “As the 31 July deadline for tax credits renewals approaches, customers can feel reassured that they can renew their benefits online or via the HMRC App at a time that suits them.
“And if they need to access help and support, Alexa can help customers find out about what to do when they receive a renewal pack, how to change their circumstances, or how to find out about payment information.”
