Tax credits for children

Hi my first time on this site so hope my question makes sense...myself and partner have 3 kids and i'm just wondering is he claiming all his tax credits he's entitled to...is he eligible for a tax credit for the children..(we aren't married) as i can only see a one parent tax credit which he isn't eligible for as we are living together??..I dont work am stay home mother...also he pays into a pension does he have to apply for tax relief for this or is it automatically applied to his wages..thanks tammy

Your partner does not get any tax credits for the children. However, if you were married he could use your personal tax credit (worth €1,650 per annum) and claim the home carers' credit for you (worth another €810 per annum) and also would be able to increase his standard rate band by €9,000 (which is worth another €1,890 per annum if he is able to use it all).

Provided his pension payments are deducted through the payroll, the tax relief is being automatically applied.

Hi Tammy,

While your partner is not strictly entitled to opf credit as you are living together Revenue will concessionally grant it in the case like yours where one parent is not working. I would submit a form OP1 and write on it that you are not working (include your ppsn so they can check).

Nige is correct that he would have much higher credits and srcop if you were married.

Sybil