Child benefit - so you have got a letter

The child benefit letters have now been sent out by HMRC to about one million people

HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) is sending letters to about a million people that start with the question: "Are you affected by changes to child benefit?"

The letters are brief, though they do come with a help sheet, and will no doubt raise a lot of questions in recipients' minds.

What follows will, hopefully, answer most of those questions.

What is it all about?

I have got a letter - what do I have to do?

Who is getting a letter?

What counts as income?

Who counts as a partner?

I think I am liable - what are my choices?

Child benefit amounts to £20.30 a week for an eldest or only child

Do I have to tell HMRC I might be liable for HICBC?

How do I pay HICBC?

What if I make the wrong choice?

My partner and I do not talk about finances. How do I find out our position?

I did not get a letter - am I still potentially liable for HICBC?

The opinions expressed are those of the author and are not held by the BBC unless specifically stated. The material is for general information only and does not constitute investment, tax, legal or other form of advice. You should not rely on this information to make (or refrain from making) any decisions. Links to external sites are for information only and do not constitute endorsement. Always obtain independent professional advice for your own particular situation.