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<p>The Government introduced the High Income Child Benefit Charge (HICBC) from January
2013 to ensure that support is targeted at those who need it most. It applies to anyone
with an individual income over £50,000, who claims Child Benefit or whose partner
claims it, regardless of the make-up of their household.</p><p> </p><p>If total household
income was taken into account, information on the incomes of everyone in each of the
eight million households receiving Child Benefit would need to be collected and would
effectively introduce a new means test. The Government’s approach withdraws Child
Benefit from those on high incomes, whilst having no impact on the majority of claimants.</p><p>
</p><p>The charge increases gradually for taxpayers with incomes between £50,000 and
£60,000. Families in which at least one taxpayer has an income over £60,000 can choose
not to receive Child Benefit, which means they do not have to pay the charge.</p><p>
</p><p>Parents who are entitled to Child Benefit should still complete the Child Benefit
claim form as this will help them to qualify for National Insurance Credits and thereby
protect their entitlement to the State Pension and other contributory benefits.</p>
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