HMRC says call us during one-hour window over £2,250 bill | Personal Finance | Finance

HMRC have explained when to contact them if you have any questions about a charge that could be worth thousands of pounds. A taxpayer contacted authorities after receiving a letter stating that they needed to pay the High Income Child Benefit Charge.

This fee applies if you have claimed DWP benefit and your income is above certain thresholds. You start paying the charge when you or your partner’s individual income exceeds £60,000 per year for the current tax year.

For every £200 you earn above the threshold, you must repay 1 per cent of your Child Benefit claim; This means that once you win £80,000 or more you must repay it in full. Child Benefit is currently worth £26.05 a week for your eldest or only child and £17.25 a week for each child you have.

This means that if you have two children and have to pay back the full amount, you’ll have to repay just over £2,250 a year. You can repay the amount through PAYE by changing your tax code or through self-assessment, depending on your situation.

The person who contacted HMRC said they had tried to pay the fee via PAYE but there had been an “error”. In response, the tax department encouraged them to call the hotline on the issue.

However, the customer said they tried this route but “were unsuccessful on the phone for almost an hour.” HMRC then set out some specific time frames for when to call.

The group said: “We’re sorry you haven’t spoken to a counselor yet. Our phone lines are open from 8am to 6pm, Monday to Friday, and are generally less busy from 8am to 9pm.”

If you have questions about income tax or PAYE you can call HMRC on 0300 200 3300. The department can also provide telephone guidance on tax overpayments or underpayments.