How much Child Benefit will the tax charge take back?
Calculate the payment, charge and amount your household keeps. Then see how adjusted net income changes after gross pension contributions and Gift Aid.
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Child Benefit kept after the charge
£1,169
£2,337 received, less an estimated £1,169 High Income Child Benefit Charge (50%).
Charge calculation
| Higher earner income | £70,000 |
|---|---|
| Gross pension and Gift Aid adjustments | −£0 |
| Adjusted net income | £70,000 |
| Annual Child Benefit | £2,337 |
| Charge rate | 50% |
| Tax charge | £1,169 |
Pension contribution scenario
| Gross contribution to reach £60,000 | £10,000 |
|---|---|
| Estimated income-tax relief | £4,000 |
| Estimated take-home cost | £6,000 |
| Child Benefit restored | £1,169 |
What this means
- 50% of Child Benefit is charged backThe charge rises by 1% for each complete £200 of adjusted net income above £60,000, reaching 100% at £80,000.
- Pension contributions can lower adjusted net incomeA £10,000 gross contribution would reduce the modelled adjusted income to the threshold, subject to pension limits and your actual tax position.
- Claiming can preserve National Insurance creditsEven when payments are opted out, keeping the Child Benefit claim can protect State Pension credits and issue a National Insurance number to the child.
Adjusted net income has detailed rules, including benefits, savings, dividends and reliefs. Confirm the figure with HMRC guidance or an adviser. Not tax advice.
Method
How this calculation works
The 2026/27 weekly Child Benefit rates are multiplied by eligible weeks. The charge is 1% of benefit for every complete £200 of adjusted net income above £60,000, capped at 100% from £80,000. Gross pension and grossed-up Gift Aid entered are deducted for this estimate.