Child Benefit

Over the weekend it has come to my attention via social media (Martin Lewis) that there is a threshold for Child Benefit, neither myself nor my husband were aware of this at all and we are shocked to realise that we unfortunately fall into the category of earning more than £50k per year on more than 1 occasion, I have been claiming Child Benefit since I completed the forms after having my 3 children I have never been contacted asking what the household income is annually so this has come as a huge shock. I have stopped the CB via the online form and I am awaiting the response from them but we are expecting to be hit with a large bill to repay the money. We are not in a financial position to pay this off in a lump sum will we be allowed time to repay? Do we get the option of repaying the overpayment or must my husband fill in self assesments?

Hi,

If your husband is the higher earner and earned over £50k and you were in receipt of child benefit then yes a Self Assessment would be due. Once the tax returns is processed if unable to pay the balance due you can check if you can set up a payment plan online using the link below.

If you cannot pay your tax bill on time

Thank you.