Child Benefit Charge
High Income Child Benefit Charge calculator (2026/27).
Charge payable
£1,169
Adjusted net income £70,000 — 50% of your Child Benefit is clawed back.
- Child Benefit a year
- £2,337
- You keep
- £1,169
- Pension to clear it
- £10,000
- Gross contribution
The charge across the £60,000–£80,000 band
Charge on the higher earner's adjusted net income, for your number of children.
A gross pension contribution of £10,000 would remove the charge and earn higher-rate relief as well.
Rates and rules from High Income Child Benefit Charge (HM Revenue & Customs).
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Expert help
Turn your estimate into the right tax decision.
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Ask an accountantQuestions
Frequently asked
questions.
Should I still claim Child Benefit if I earn over £80,000?
Usually yes, even if you opt out of the payments. Claiming gives a non-working parent National Insurance credits toward the State Pension and ensures your child gets a National Insurance number automatically.
Is the charge based on household income?
No. It is based on the adjusted net income of the higher earner in the household, not combined income. Two parents each earning £55,000 pay no charge.
How do I pay the charge?
Register for Self Assessment and pay it with your tax return, or — if you are employed and have no other reason to file — ask HMRC to collect it through your tax code.
How does a pension contribution help?
Gross personal pension contributions are deducted from income to arrive at adjusted net income. Bringing it back to £60,000 removes the charge and earns tax relief at your marginal rate as well.
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