Child Benefit - Is a refund possible in light of the new 2024 budget?

mehtaman

Hi All,

I found myself in a position whereby I was asked to repay 100% of our child benefit for tax years 2021-2022 and 2022-2023.

This was because my income went marginally above the 2023 thresholds, yet my wife’s income was below the level set by the Government.

I only just made the payment to HMRC before the 31st of January deadline and just a few weeks later the budget for 2024 announced that the thresholds will change.

Would it be possible to claim back the money paid back for the previous years???

TIA

p00hsticks

no it wouldn't. 
If the threshold had gone down rather than up, would you have expected HMRC to bill you for previous years based on the new threshold ? The same principle applies....

Flugelhorn

no - that is the way it is, I paid them back for years and you know that once it is gone that's it - only when the change the threshold are you likely to have a bit more money

sheramber

The change only applies to income earned from 6 April 2024.

mehtaman

Thanks for the quick replies, I guess it is what it is.
At least from April we can claim child benefit again.

borris78

It'd be nice if someone challenges the "lawfulnes" of this "tax", considering how unfair and discriminatory it is, and then we can all get a refund!!

BoGoF

borris78 said:

It'd be nice if someone challenges the "lawfulnes" of this "tax", considering how unfair and discriminatory it is, and then we can all get a refund!!

Why don't you do that then.

What protected characteristic has been discriminated against for it be unlawful in your eyes?