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Confused by Tax Credits

I have a 15 month old baby boy and have only just become aware of "child tax credits" though I'm confused what it actually is.

What is this for exactly?
Can I claim this even though I receive child benefit too?
Is it added at source (by employer's payroll) or entirely separate from that?
If I am eligible can I claim back-pay?

I earn 53K so I didn't think I'd be elegible for any kind of benefits, though a large chunk of my salary does go on child maintenance for my two elder children. My wife is not a UK citizen but living with me here permanently, if that makes any difference.

Comments

  • CIS
    CIS Posts: 12,260 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 10,000 Posts Name Dropper
    Child Tax Credit is paid alongside Working Tax Credit as part of the Tax Credit system, on your income I doubt you would see any.

    Its paid alongside Child Benefit, and they dont't effect the payment of each other.

    The IR entitlement calculator is here
    https://www.taxcredits.inlandrevenue.gov.uk/Qualify/DIQHousehold.aspx
    I no longer work in Council Tax Recovery but instead work as a specialist Council Tax paralegal assisting landlords and Council Tax payers with council tax disputes and valuation tribunals. My views are my own reading of the law and you should always check with the local authority in question.
  • jezbo
    jezbo Posts: 45 Forumite
    Done the calculation and I'd get around £130 per year, well every little helps !
  • CIS
    CIS Posts: 12,260 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 10,000 Posts Name Dropper
    The IR figure is for a part year, it only calculates between now and the end of the year, that means your annual amount is actually (130/134)*365 = £354
    I no longer work in Council Tax Recovery but instead work as a specialist Council Tax paralegal assisting landlords and Council Tax payers with council tax disputes and valuation tribunals. My views are my own reading of the law and you should always check with the local authority in question.
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