PAYE10056 - coding: coding allowances and reliefs: maintenance payments (Action Guide)


When considering relief for maintenance payments, follow steps 1 - 6 below. This Guide is presented as follows

In all casesSteps 1 – 2
Where payments are made for the maintenance of one or more childrenSteps 3 – 5
What to allowStep 6


For details of how to access any of the COP functions use the [Index of Functions] button on the left of the screen.

In all cases

  1. Use COP Function NO to make an Essential Note of the annual amount of maintenance payments made. From 6 April 2000, there is no need to distinguish between pre and post 15 March 1988 agreements as all relief must satisfy the 'new rules'

  2. Use COP Function CD or TA to set the MPMAX signal. The amount to be entered is the annual amount payable, which will not necessarily be the amount on which relief is due

Where payments are made for the maintenance of one or more children

  1. Use COP Function CD or TA to set the MPD signal followed by the date of birth of the eldest child. This allows the case to be identified for review at Annual Coding where the child will become 21 in the coding year

  2. When relief ceases to be due for a child, change the date of birth to that of the next eldest child for whom relief is due

  3. Cancel the signal when you withdraw the relief or it is no longer due on payments for children

What to allow

  1. Are payments to continue after the child’s 21st birthday?

  • If no, allow payments likely to be made up to the date indicated in the court order
  • If yes, allow them until the child’s 21st birthday. After that date the payments are voluntary