Guidance on Child Trust Funds (children born between 1 September 2002 and January 2011)
The Child Trust Fund (CTF) is a long-term tax-free savings account for children which ran between 2002 and 2011. Existing CTFs can still be used.
At a glance
Child Trust Funds (CTF) were offered between 1 September 2002 and January 2011, with the money accumulated only accessible when the ‘child’ reached 18 years old.
Children born between the years 2002 – 2011 each received free cash vouchers of up to £250.
A further £250 was added when the child reached the age of seven. This voucher was worth £500 if you were on a low income.
These state grants were invested in an authorised CTF.
Like an Individual Savings Account (ISA) the contributions can be invested in either cash or investment accounts.
Additional payments could be made by family and friends within yearly limits. Currently up to £9,000 p.a. can be contributed to a CTF.
The first recipients of Child Trust Fund vouchers turned 18 in September 2020 and may access the money for the first time. They may take control of their account (make investment decisions) from the age of 16.
HMRC notes that many parents and children are unaware of how to access these accounts.
What happens now?
For those people who have already turned 18, there are several options.
The full value of the CTF can be cashed in only by the holder of the account.
The CTF can be maintained. Up to £9,000 p.a. can be added. (This amount is subtracted from the full annual ISA allowance of £20,000 p.a. should the individual also have a separate ISA.)
The holder can transfer the CTF to another provider offering either a cash or investment wrapper.
For those whose children who are yet to reach 18:
The holder of the CTF can take over the management of the product when they reach 16. Primarily this means transferring to another CTF provider or changing the investment structure from cash to investment products.
From 6 April 2015, CTFs can be converted into Junior ISAs.
Junior ISAs are similar in structure the CTFs but are likely to offer higher cash interest rates and a greater number of providers.
Can't find my CTF
A major concern articulated when the first tranche of eligible teenagers turned 18 is that the accounts had been lost. Often this has been a result of when a family moves home and forgot to update their CTF provider with their new address.
This is easily rectified using HMRC's online form to enquire where the account was originally opened.
Go to HMRC's tool. Log in using a 'Government Gateway ID'. If you don't have one, you can create one.
Fill in your (or your child's) details, including name, address, date of birth, phone number and National Insurance number.
HMRC should respond within three weeks with details of the account. HMRC may need further information and will contact you.
Contact the CTF provider and access the account.
What's new?
As of 1 September 2020, people turning 18 will be able to withdraw money from Child Trust Funds for the first time or continue to use the tax-advantaged wrapper, free from both income and Capital Gains Tax.
If you would like further help with any of the above, get in touch with your usual Continuum contact or email info@continuum-ltd.co.uk. Remember though that Continuum is not licensed to give financial advice, although we can recommend an Independent Financial Advisor if you need one.