THE taxman is reminding parents to update their records as thousands of children receive their GCSE results.

HM Revenue and Customs says that parents who receive Child Benefit and Child Tax Credits must tell the government of their child’s educational status after August 31 otherwise payments will stop.

Parents are being advised they can use their Personal Tax Account (PTA) to update both their Child Benefit and Child Tax Credit information online but parents must let HMRC know if their children are aged 16+ and continuing in full-time education or are undertaking an apprenticeship.

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 straight away to prevent the build-up of overpayments, which they will have to pay back.

Angela MacDonald, director general of customer services, said: “Congratulations to all students in the South East getting their results.

"Once parents or guardians know what their child has decided to do it’s 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.”

As previously reported thousands of teenagers across Hampshire got their GCSE results last week - but they must stay in full time education or take an apprenticeship until they are 18.