Self Assessment - High Income Child Benefit Charge

Smooth77

Morning.

In tax year 23-24 I earned over 50K, I paid the amount I earned over 50K into my pension to avoid paying the benefit charge.
My question is do I still have to fill in the self assessment even though HMRC can see I made this payment.

Thank you

Dazed_and_C0nfused

Smooth77 said:

Morning.

In tax year 23-24 I earned over 50K, I paid the amount I earned over 50K into my pension to avoid paying the benefit charge.
My question is do I still have to fill in the self assessment even though HMRC can see I made this payment.

Thank you

Have you been issued with a return for 2023-24 or a notice to file a return for 2023-24?

If not then you only need to file one if you meet the criteria for filing one.  Your earnings aren't the only factor though, HICBC is based on adjusted net income.  The starting point for which is your total taxable income.

Smooth77

Thanks for the reply.

I've not been issued a notice to file a return, I've never had to as always been PAYE and this is the first year I earnt over the threshold for the HICBC.

Dazed_and_C0nfused

Smooth77 said:

Thanks for the reply.

I've not been issued a notice to file a return, I've never had to as always been PAYE and this is the first year I earnt over the threshold for the HICBC.

Earning over the amount isn't what matters though.

You need to calculate your adjusted net income.

If that is less than £50,100 then there would be no HICBC due from you.

Smooth77

Thank you

My question is do I still have to fill in the self assessment even though my net income was less than £50,100 after pension contributions.

Dazed_and_C0nfused

Smooth77 said:

Thank you

My question is do I still have to fill in the self assessment even though my net income was less than £50,100 after pension contributions.

As you haven't been issued with a return you would only need to register and file one if you had a reason to.

Have you used the checker on gov.uk?  Nothing you have posted suggests a return is necessary but there may be information you haven't mentioned in this thread.

Smooth77

Just used the checker and it confirms I do not have to file one if there is no charge to pay.

Thanks for all your help.