Child Tax Credit commences on 6 April 2003, and is available if a child lives with you.

Child Tax Credit (CTC) payments can be substantial, and they are tax free.

CTC is means tested, but the income limits are high. Significantly, eligibility is not affected by a claimant's savings - or other assets.

CTC is paid to the 'main carer', who does not need to pay tax or to have earnings to receive the credit.

Are you entitled to tax credits? Try the HMRC's "Tax Credits Online".

There are time limits. Very roughly, you have three months ... reduced to one month from April 2007 ... in which to make or amend a claim. You must notify changes in circumstances. Missing a time limit can result in a permanent loss of tax credit, and the imposition of penalties which can be very substantial.

If you would like to make a claim for CTC, click here for how to get a 'claim pack'.

Should you make a protective claim for Tax Credits? Almost certainly the answer is 'Yes'. Click here for more.

Penalty concession for tax credit protective claims? Revenue confirmation.

Beware Revenue errors .

Tax Credit Errors: The Chartered Institute of Taxation has reminded tax credits claimants (inserted in September 2004) that they may be able to keep overpaid credits that the Inland Revenue seeks to recover.

How does Child Tax Credit differ from Childrens Tax Credit.

One man glued himself to an enquiry desk to get his tax credit! And he got it!

But Tax Credits are not just for those with children. Check out Working Tax Credit.