Small top up on maternity leave & tax credits

lacreme

Hope I am asking this correctly and please excuse my tax ignorance.

Was advised yesterday that won't be getting paid wages while on maternity leave, it was hinted that I would receive a small contribution but was too shocked to even ask what that would be, but will ask them this week.

In the meantime panic has set in as to how I can best manage. I am wondering if I could transfer my tax credits to my husband and what real benefit this would have to him? We are both on approx. €48,000.00.

I know the maternity benefit is not taxable and I will arrange for that to be paid directly to me. I am wondering what would happen to whatever the contribution I was to receive from my employer ( I am guessing it might be around €200 per week) What is the minimum figure you can earn before paying tax when you have no tax credits?

Just trying to work out if better to keep some tax credits to cover any tax that might be payable on the contribution received or give all the tax credits to my husband and pay whatever tax is due on the contribution. I will back in full time work after 6 months. Maternity leave starts at Christmas.

Any advice greatly appreciated

Mr. Incognito

Info here

http://www.citizensinformation.ie/categories/employment/employment-rights-and-conditions/leave-and-holidays/maternity_leave

lacreme

Thanks Mr Incognito,

I had read that and it didn't seem to answer my questions but I might give them a ring and see what they suggest

Mr. Incognito

are you and your husband jointly or seperately assessed?

lacreme

We are separately assessed. In fact not even aware if informed them we are married as there was no reason to change our separate tax situations