HMRC reminds parents to update their children’s details as exam results revealed

HM Revenue & Customs

As GCSE exam results are released, HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) is reminding parents in the North West who receive Child Benefit and Child Tax Credits to inform them of their child’s educational status ahead of 31 August, otherwise payments will stop.

Parents can use their Personal Tax Account (PTA) to update both their Child Benefit and Child Tax Credit information online.

Parents must let HMRC know if any of their children are aged 16+ and continuing in full-time education or are undertaking an apprenticeship. Alternatively, if a young person leaves education or training - for example, to start full-time work or because their course has ended - claimants must report this change to prevent the build-up of over payments which they will have to pay back.

Angela MacDonald, Director General of Customer Services, said: “Once parents or guardians know what their child has decided to do it is really important they let us know as soon as possible, so they continue to get the right benefits and credits.

“This can be done quickly and simply using the Personal Tax Account, which is available 24 hours-a-day, seven days-a-week. That means that parents can let us know their child’s education status, at a time that suits them ahead of the 31 August deadline.”