Keep HMRC in the loop over Child Benefit

Paisley parents whose child is staying on in education after they turn 16 are being urged to tell the tax man so their Child Benefit doesn’t stop.

Teens taking approved courses or training are eligible for the benefit, worth up to £ 20.70 a week, but parents and guardians will only continue to receive it if they tell HMRC before August 31, when the payments automatically cease.

Angela MacDonald, director general for customer services at HMRC, said: “We’re encouraging parents to meet the August 31 deadline and notify us of their children’s plans after they turn 16.

“Letting HMRC know will ensure that Child Benefit payments continue.”

Child Benefit provides £20.70 a week for the eldest or only child in a family and £13.70 a week for each additional child, up to the age of 19 for teens on approved courses or training.

Young people qualify if studying for Scottish Highers, International Baccalaureate, NVQs and other vocational qualifications up to level three. Training courses should be unpaid and can include Employability Fund programmes in Scotland.

People can tell HMRC by using or creating an online personal tax account at www.gov.uk/personaltax- account or by returning the form that was sent earlier this year.

Parents and guardians should note that if they or their live-in partner has an individual income of over £50,000, they may have to pay a tax charge, known as the High Income Child Benefit Charge.

For more information, visit gov.uk