Question to the HM Treasury:
To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what his policy is on ensuring that HMRC notifies people approaching the age threshold to drawn down pensions of their potential liability to incur High Income Child Benefit Charges.
HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) have taken considerable steps to raise awareness of the High Income Child Benefit Charge (HICBC).
They use a wide array of channels to reach those who may be liable to pay HICBC. This includes sharing information via social media, through third parties such as websites aimed at parents or families, and on GOV.UK. The main landing page on GOV.UK for Self-Assessment guidance highlights HICBC as one of the reasons why someone might need to file a tax return.
There is also a prominent message about HICBC on the Child Benefit claim form. In addition, where HMRC hold all the relevant information, they write to parents who may have become liable for HICBC, explaining what they need to do to pay the charge when it is due and avoid penalties.
Families can use the calculator at GOV.UK to work out how much tax they may have to pay: www.gov.uk/child-benefit-tax-calculator.