Child benefit nightmare

[dancingqueen123]

I have been paid this since kids were born. Never thought anything if it, as I thought it was a universal benefit to Mothers.
DH has had a letter saying he's over the threshold. Has been for some time.

I'm really worried. Why didn't they just stop paying us it?!

Will they just slap us with a humongous bill now?
Things are really tight right now. Really don't need this 🙈

@dancingqueen123 you might find this tribunal ruling helpful. It’s very clearly laid out.

It explains that HMRC do have a process to make some exceptions for people whose chain stated before Jan 2013 change and whose income only rose above £50K after that date.

This tribunal was looking more at the HMRC claim that they had sent a letter in Aug 2013, which the tribunal accepted in this case wasn’t received.

Having a read through may help you to appeal.

www.bailii.org/uk/cases/UKFTT/TC/2020/TC07865.pdf

The tricky cases can occur when the higher earner hides their income from the lower earner who innocently claims CB, however, that is not as bad as a previous in-work benefit system that used to leave the lower earner (usually the mother) with the overpayment - often after the couple relationship had broken down; under the current system the high earner owes the money to HMRC.

No dont opt out of getting it as it protects your Pension. Just claim it it at zero rate.

Why don't they just tell you?

when you apply, they have written in black and white.

Phew pamic over. DH has sorted it with them. There wasn't too much to pay given his pension contributions etc.

Thanks to all those who have been helpful.

The rest of you might like to think about being kinder humans.

Happy Christmas everyone 🎄

That’s good news Op, hope you are feeling better about it all Now.

Me again, haha! Just wondering how I can claim it at zero rate? Presumably we’d have to fill in the self assessment?

glad you’re sorted, op 😊

You claim but opt out of payment

www.gov.uk/child-benefit-tax-charge/stop-child-benefit

Any past overpayment ie for tax year 2021-22 or 2022-23 is calculated and repaid by completing a self assessment tax return. Call your tax office to register.