Discussing financial matters with a partner can be an uncomfortable experience but it may be vital for those who receive child benefit. So long as both partners earn less than £50,000 a year than the child benefit payments will not be affected. The full amount will be received and none of it will need to be paid back. The government classifies a “partner” as someone an individual is not permanently separated from who they’re married to, in a civil partnership with or living with as if they were.

There are options for those who will be affected by this tax charge.They can choose to no longer receive child benefit payments altogether.

However, the government advises still filling out the child benefit claim form as it will allow National Insurance credits to still be collected.

These in turn will count towards a state pension. Claiming child benefit would also mean that the child will get their National Insurance number automatically just before turning 16.

This will mean they won’t have to apply for one themselves.

For those who cannot get information from a partner or ex-partner, HMRC can be contacted. HMRC should be written to asking whether their partner receives child benefit or has a higher adjusted net income. While exact financial details will not be provided, HMRC will reply with either a “yes” or “no” which is enough to move forward. This information can only be requested if the partners live together or have separated within the tax year.

HMRC will also need further details. They will need to know which exact tax year is being enquired about, personal details such as name and date of birth, a unique taxpayer reference if applicable, information on the person’s adjusted net income and details for their partner.

For those worried about making an irreversible or regrettable decision, the government allows child benefit payments to be restarted at any time. They also provide a benefit tax calculator to work out how income changes will affect the charge in the future.

Specific dates will need to be noted. The tax charge applies from the date that the partners move in together. It will stop either on the date that the relationship permanently ends or when the child becomes too old to qualify. It is important to be sure of these dates, the government makes a point of stating that short periods apart do not count as separation. Examples they give for this include hospital stays or working away from home.