What 31 August means for Child Tax Credit (“CTC”) and Child Benefit

On 31 August, Child Benefit and Child Tax Credit (“CTC”) will cease for children, aged 16 at that date, who have left approved* education or training. However if they continue in approved training/education then these benefits may continue but only if the parent or claimant has told HMRC’s Child Benefit Office and/or Tax Credit Office (note that parents/claimants must notify *both* departments if they are claiming both of the benefits).

* “Approved education” means that the child remains in full-time, ‘non-advanced’ education at school/college (e.g. ‘A’ Levels).
“Approved training” means that the child is participating in, has enrolled in, or been accepted for one of the following types of course prior to reaching 19 years old: Read more

Received an SA302 form from HMRC?

If you’re ever wondering why you were sent form SA302 through the post, it will usually be for one of 3 reasons:

  1. if you sent in a paper tax return asking HMRC to calculate the tax for you;
  2. if you made an amendment to your paper tax return; or
  3. if you sent HMRC a paper tax return and they don’t agree with your calculations for tax.

You will also have received a covering letter explaining the period under scrutiny, the income tax due (or owed) for that tax year with a note of when it’s payable, an explanation of any changes made by HMRC to your figures and lastly information relating to any payments on account which may be required for the next tax year. Read more