High Income Child Benefit Charge Calculator
Estimate the High Income Child Benefit Charge (HICBC) based on the higher earner's adjusted net income and number of children. Uses 2026/27 thresholds (£60,000–£80,000) to show the charge and how much benefit you keep.
Calculator
What this means
The High Income Child Benefit Charge claws back some or all of your Child Benefit if you or your partner have an adjusted net income over £60,000. The charge increases gradually up to £80,000, where the full amount is repaid. Pension contributions can reduce your adjusted net income and lower the charge.
How to use this calculator
- Enter the higher earner's adjusted net income.
- Enter how much Child Benefit the household receives.
- See how much of it is clawed back by the charge.
Worked example
The higher earner has income of £70,000 and the family gets £2,212 Child Benefit.
- £70,000 is £10,000 above the £60,000 threshold.
- The charge is 1% per £200 over, so £10,000 ÷ £200 = 50% is clawed back.
About £1,106 (50%) of the Child Benefit is repaid via the charge.
Who this is for
- Households where someone earns over £60,000.
- Parents deciding whether to keep receiving payments.
- Anyone planning pension contributions to reduce the charge.
How the High Income Child Benefit Charge works
If you or your partner have adjusted net income above £60,000, the charge claws back 1% of your Child Benefit for every £200 over the threshold. At £80,000 it reaches 100%, cancelling the benefit out.
The charge is paid by the higher earner through Self Assessment. Pension contributions reduce adjusted net income, so paying more in can shrink or remove the charge entirely.
Frequently asked questions
The partner with the higher adjusted net income pays it, even if the other partner claims the Child Benefit. It applies when that income is over £60,000.
For income between £60,000 and £80,000, you repay 1% of your Child Benefit for every £200 over £60,000. At £80,000 or above, the full amount is repaid.
Yes. Pension contributions and Gift Aid reduce your adjusted net income, which can lower or remove the charge. You can also choose not to receive Child Benefit payments while still protecting your State Pension record.
Not necessarily. Claiming (even with payments opted out) protects a parent's National Insurance credits towards the State Pension. Many families claim and repay the charge, or claim without taking payments.
Broadly your total taxable income less certain reliefs such as pension contributions and Gift Aid. It's not just salary, so bonuses and other income count.
Disclaimer
This calculator estimates the High Income Child Benefit Charge using 2026/27 thresholds and standard Child Benefit rates. It is not tax advice. The charge is based on the higher earner's adjusted net income. Check GOV.UK or speak to HMRC for your exact position.
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