Tax credits in mat leave

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Hi,

Can anyone help with a quick tax credits query?

We're not usually entitled to any tax credits, but when I go on maternity leave (which will be for 6 months only), I will only get SMP. My DH is a full time stay at home dad, but will work during my mat leave (self employed tradesman).

I think we'll be entitled to tax credit during my mat leave, but I'm really confused because I thought thattax credits were based on the previous years income. So how do I claim? What do I do? If I phone up and they ask me for previous years income, it's going to be too much to be eligible. Is it different for mat leave?

Thanks for any help!

You need to work out an estiate of what this years income will be.

Phone them and tell them that you will be on MAt leave so your income this year will be lower than last year. They will have to take you through a calculation to see if you would be entitled, if you are, they can send the forms.

Also, deduct £100 p/w of your maternity pay when you do you estimate. E.g if you are going to be on mat leave for 26 weeks, deduct £2600

Thanks for that. Will work it out and then call.

Why do I deduct £100 a week for mat leave though?

Tax credits people do not include £100 a week of maternity pay in your income total that's why you deduct it. Don't forget when estimating this years income that's its from april to april so if you are/were working any part of that time to include that.

Thank you, v helpful. Have spent ages looking at the gov website and this info isn't listed there. They don't make it easy....