AFTER A-level results were released, HM Revenue and Customs is reminding parents who receive Child Benefit and Child Tax Credits that the payments will stop unless it is informed the their child is still in

education.

Taxpayers must contact HMRC to confirm the eligibility of their 16+ child if they are continuing in full-time, non-advanced education, moving into employment or undertaking approved training. Alternatively, if a young person leaves full-time education or training, for example, to start full-time work or because their course has ended, claimants must report this change straight away to prevent an overpayment, which they will have to pay back.

The easiest way to inform HMRC is online via the personal tax account (PTA), where child benefit and child tax credit information can be updated at the same time.

Nick Lodge, director general of benefits and credits and transformation, said: “This is an exciting time for teenagers and their families as they decide which path they want to choose next. But it’s important that customers let us know what education their son or daughter is undertaking after they turn 16 so that we can ensure they receive the correct benefits.

“This can be done simply and quickly using the personal tax account, which is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.”