Latest news with #HMRCChildBenefit
Yahoo
05-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
HMRC admits £47 million loss in breach of 100,000 taxpayer accounts
HMRC has lost £47 million of taxpayers' money after a phishing scam breached tens of thousands of tax accounts. Two senior civil servants at HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) told the Treasury Committee that 100,000 people have been contacted, or are in the process of being contacted, after their accounts were locked down in what they said was an 'organised crime' incident which began last year. Taxpayers who are being affected will suffer 'no financial loss', according to John-Paul Marks, the chief executive of HMRC, the UK's tax authority. Mr Marks told the Committee: 'It's about 0.2% of the PAYE population, around 100,000 people, who we have written to, are writing to, to notify them that we detected activity on their PAYE account.' Asked if this applied to individual working people's PAYE accounts, not companies, he replied: 'That's right, individuals. To be clear, no financial loss to those individuals. Mr Marks added: 'This was organised crime phishing for identity data outwith of HMRC systems, so stuff that banks and others will also unfortunately experience, and then trying to use that data to create PAYE accounts to pay themselves a repayment and/or access an existing account.' An investigation into the matter, which took place last year 'including jurisdictions outside the UK', led to 'some arrests last year,' Mr Marks told MPs. Angela MacDonald, HMRC's deputy chief executive and second permanent secretary, added: 'At the moment, they've managed to extract repayments to the tune of £47 million. 'Now that is a lot of money, and it's very unacceptable. 'We have overall, in the last tax year, we actually protected £1.9 billion worth of money which sought to be taken from us by attacks.' Get your tax return done early and find out sooner if you're owed money. ⏲️ We'll let you know if you've overpaid tax after you file your Self-Assessment tax return and refund you. 💷 File today. 👇 — HM Revenue & Customs (@HMRCgovuk) June 3, 2025 Ms MacDonald stressed the breach was 'not a cyber attack, we have not been hacked, we have not had data extracted from us'. She later added: 'The ability for somebody to breach your systems and to extract data, to hold you to ransomware and all of those things, that is a cyber attack. That is not what has happened here.' HMRC said it had locked down affected accounts and deleted log-in details to prevent future unauthorised access. Any incorrect information has been removed from tax records and officials have checked to ensure no other details have been changed. People affected will receive a letter from HMRC over the next three weeks. Elsewhere, Mr Marks told MPs that HMRC phone lines were down on Wednesday afternoon, but said this was 'coincidental'. They will be 'back up and available in the morning', he added. Recommended reading: HMRC urging parents to claim £2,000 tax-free childcare HMRC Child Benefit changes with opt-in campaign for parents More than half a million more savers to benefit from HMRC cash - apply today An HMRC spokesperson said: 'We've acted to protect customers after identifying attempts to access a very small minority of tax accounts, and we're working with other law enforcement agencies both in the UK and overseas to bring those responsible to justice. 'This was not a cyber-attack – it involved criminals using personal information from phishing activity or data obtained elsewhere to try to claim money from HMRC. 'We're writing to those customers affected to reassure them we've secured their accounts and that they haven't lost any money.'
Glasgow Times
03-05-2025
- Health
- Glasgow Times
Mecca Bingo staff finish 25-mile charity walk around Glasgow
The group, who all work for Mecca Bingo venues in the area, set off at 9am from Drumchapel in the pouring rain for their Great Glasgow Walk. During the long trek, they passed through Paisley and reached the finishing line nine hours later at Mecca Hamilton. Through their walk, they managed to raise a total of £5,000 for the charity. Read more: All the HMRC Child Benefit payment changes for May 2025 (Image: Supplied) Carers Trust is a charity which works to support the UK's six million people who care for friends and family with an illness, disability, or addiction. Around two-thirds of carers have had to cut back on working hours or give up their jobs completely due to their caring responsibilities. This has put them under a lot of strain, as the cost of living has soared and pushed many into poverty. The money raised by the Glasgow team will be used to support carers with essential grants for household items and much-needed respite breaks. Mike Donnison, general manager of Mecca Blyth, said: "Carers Trust plays such a big part in the community, and at Mecca Bingo, the community is at the heart of everything we do. "That's why it feels only right to work hand-in-hand and give back. "Many colleagues and customers are passionate about this cause, which supports people across the country, including those closest to us. "It was a hard old slog, and we were relieved to cross the finish line - but it was all worth it. "It gave us a chance to talk with passers-by and spread the word about the vital work Carers Trust does." Martin Docherty, assistant manager at Mecca Paisley, said: "Carers Trust is a great charity to support, one that many people might not know much about, so it's also a great opportunity to raise awareness. "I ended up with some blisters, so the last three miles didn't go to plan. "But it was a great achievement to finish and relax." (Image: Supplied) Mecca Bingo's parent company, The Rank Group Plc, has been partnered with Carers Trust since 2014. Read more: What age can a child stay home alone? Here's what the NSPCC says In that time, the company has raised more than £4 million to support unpaid carers, with grants going to almost 15,000 carers. Victoria Parker, corporate partnership manager at Carers Trust, said: "We're delighted the team from Mecca Bingo took on this challenge in support of Carers Trust. "Unpaid carers across the UK are simply trying to do the right thing by friends and family, often at a great personal cost to their own finances and wellbeing. "This vital money will help us and our network of local carer organisations to ease some of that pressure.'
Western Telegraph
28-04-2025
- Business
- Western Telegraph
HMRC Child Benefit changes with opt-in campaign for parents
In a new tweet, it urges: "Opted out of Child Benefit payments and earn under £80k? You may be missing out on support. "The amount you or your partner can earn before you start paying the High Income Child Benefit charge is now £60k. Opt back in online or in the HMRC app." The net income threshold for eligibility to claim Child Benefit has increased from £50,000 to £60,000, prompting the social media campaign. Parents with an income of up to £80,000 can still receive some Child Benefit, but must repay a portion, and this is about to get easier too. Opted out of Child Benefit payments and earn under £80k? You may be missing out on support. The amount you or your partner can earn before you start paying the High Income Child Benefit charge is now £60k. Opt back in online or in the HMRC app. ⬇️ — HM Revenue & Customs (@HMRCgovuk) April 23, 2025 Changes to how HMRC Child Benefit high income charges are paid HMRC changes coming this year will also mean the high-income child benefit charge is simpler to pay. The high-income child benefit charge only applies if you or your partner earn more than £60,000. Under current rules, you need to file a self-assessment tax return to pay the charge, but it was mentioned in the Spring Statement that this will soon be available to pay directly through PAYE. Once registered with HMRC, parents should be able to choose to have their HICBC collected through their monthly pay packet, meaning they'll no longer need to file a return for that purpose. How much is Child Benefit and what was the increase for 2025? From April 7 2025, parents receive £26.05 a week (£1,355 a year) for their eldest or only child and £17.25 a week (£897 a year) for each additional child. These figures are a 1.7% increase on the £1,331 a year for the eldest child and £881 a year for each additional child paid in 2024-25 For now, if your income is over the threshold, you can choose to either get Child Benefit payments and pay any tax charge at the end of each tax year, or opt out of getting payments and not pay the tax charge. If you choose to opt out of getting Child Benefit payments You should still fill in the Child Benefit claim form. You need to state on the form that you do not want to get payments. You need to fill in the claim form if you want to: get National Insurance credits, which count towards your State Pension get your child a National Insurance number without them having to apply for one - they'll usually get the number before they turn 16 years old Recommended reading: Is there a two-child cap on Child Benefit? No, and this is the cause of a great deal of confusion, as Martin Lewis has explained on his website Money Saving Expert. "Child Benefit is a universal payment made for every child you have," he says. "It should accurately be called the 'two-child limit for Universal Credit or Tax Credits'. "This one applies to the benefits that people who have low incomes, whether they're working or not working, get. That's what this is about. "And in simple terms, it means if you have more than two children, then you won't get any additional benefit for the costs that they are incurring you (on Universal Credit and Tax Credits)." HMRC tax-free childcare HMRC is also reminding parents to apply for tax-free childcare. You can apply online for Tax-Free Childcare. This sees parents given up to £2,000 a year - split up into £500 each quarter - for each of their children to help with the costs of childcare. This goes up to £1,000 every three months if a child is disabled (or up to £4,000 a year in total). To get tax-free childcare, parents just need to set up an online childcare account for each child. For every £8 they pay into this account, the government will pay in £2 to use to pay a nursery or childminder. Are you missing out on egg-cellent childcare savings? 🥚 Chick out our Tax-Free Childcare scheme and sign up to unlock savings of up to £2,000 a year per child on approved childcare costs. 💸🐣 Find out more 👇 — HM Revenue & Customs (@HMRCgovuk) April 20, 2025 Your child must be 11 or under and usually live with you. They stop being eligible on September 1 after their 11th birthday. Adopted children are eligible, but foster children are not. HMRC says you can use it to pay for childminders, nurseries and nannies, plus after school clubs and play schemes. Your childcare provider must be signed up to the scheme before you can pay them and benefit from tax-free childcare.
Glasgow Times
26-04-2025
- Business
- Glasgow Times
HMRC Child Benefit changes with opt-in campaign for parents
In a new tweet, it urges: "Opted out of Child Benefit payments and earn under £80k? You may be missing out on support. "The amount you or your partner can earn before you start paying the High Income Child Benefit charge is now £60k. Opt back in online or in the HMRC app." The net income threshold for eligibility to claim Child Benefit has increased from £50,000 to £60,000, prompting the social media campaign. Parents with an income of up to £80,000 can still receive some Child Benefit, but must repay a portion, and this is about to get easier too. Opted out of Child Benefit payments and earn under £80k? You may be missing out on support. The amount you or your partner can earn before you start paying the High Income Child Benefit charge is now £60k. Opt back in online or in the HMRC app. ⬇️ — HM Revenue & Customs (@HMRCgovuk) April 23, 2025 Changes to how HMRC Child Benefit high income charges are paid HMRC changes coming this year will also mean the high-income child benefit charge is simpler to pay. The high-income child benefit charge only applies if you or your partner earn more than £60,000. Under current rules, you need to file a self-assessment tax return to pay the charge, but it was mentioned in the Spring Statement that this will soon be available to pay directly through PAYE. Once registered with HMRC, parents should be able to choose to have their HICBC collected through their monthly pay packet, meaning they'll no longer need to file a return for that purpose. How much is Child Benefit and what was the increase for 2025? From April 7 2025, parents receive £26.05 a week (£1,355 a year) for their eldest or only child and £17.25 a week (£897 a year) for each additional child. These figures are a 1.7% increase on the £1,331 a year for the eldest child and £881 a year for each additional child paid in 2024-25 For now, if your income is over the threshold, you can choose to either get Child Benefit payments and pay any tax charge at the end of each tax year, or opt out of getting payments and not pay the tax charge. If you choose to opt out of getting Child Benefit payments You should still fill in the Child Benefit claim form. You need to state on the form that you do not want to get payments. You need to fill in the claim form if you want to: get National Insurance credits, which count towards your State Pension get your child a National Insurance number without them having to apply for one - they'll usually get the number before they turn 16 years old Recommended reading: Is there a two-child cap on Child Benefit? No, and this is the cause of a great deal of confusion, as Martin Lewis has explained on his website Money Saving Expert. "Child Benefit is a universal payment made for every child you have," he says. "It should accurately be called the 'two-child limit for Universal Credit or Tax Credits'. "This one applies to the benefits that people who have low incomes, whether they're working or not working, get. That's what this is about. "And in simple terms, it means if you have more than two children, then you won't get any additional benefit for the costs that they are incurring you (on Universal Credit and Tax Credits)." HMRC tax-free childcare HMRC is also reminding parents to apply for tax-free childcare. You can apply online for Tax-Free Childcare. This sees parents given up to £2,000 a year - split up into £500 each quarter - for each of their children to help with the costs of childcare. This goes up to £1,000 every three months if a child is disabled (or up to £4,000 a year in total). To get tax-free childcare, parents just need to set up an online childcare account for each child. For every £8 they pay into this account, the government will pay in £2 to use to pay a nursery or childminder. Are you missing out on egg-cellent childcare savings? 🥚 Chick out our Tax-Free Childcare scheme and sign up to unlock savings of up to £2,000 a year per child on approved childcare costs. 💸🐣 Find out more 👇 — HM Revenue & Customs (@HMRCgovuk) April 20, 2025 Your child must be 11 or under and usually live with you. They stop being eligible on September 1 after their 11th birthday. Adopted children are eligible, but foster children are not. HMRC says you can use it to pay for childminders, nurseries and nannies, plus after school clubs and play schemes. Your childcare provider must be signed up to the scheme before you can pay them and benefit from tax-free childcare.
South Wales Argus
24-04-2025
- Business
- South Wales Argus
HMRC Child Benefit changes with opt-in campaign for parents
In a new tweet, it urges: "Opted out of Child Benefit payments and earn under £80k? You may be missing out on support. "The amount you or your partner can earn before you start paying the High Income Child Benefit charge is now £60k. Opt back in online or in the HMRC app." The net income threshold for eligibility to claim Child Benefit has increased from £50,000 to £60,000, prompting the social media campaign. Parents with an income of up to £80,000 can still receive some Child Benefit, but must repay a portion, and this is about to get easier too. Opted out of Child Benefit payments and earn under £80k? You may be missing out on support. The amount you or your partner can earn before you start paying the High Income Child Benefit charge is now £60k. Opt back in online or in the HMRC app. ⬇️ — HM Revenue & Customs (@HMRCgovuk) April 23, 2025 Changes to how HMRC Child Benefit high income charges are paid HMRC changes coming this year will also mean the high-income child benefit charge is simpler to pay. The high-income child benefit charge only applies if you or your partner earn more than £60,000. Under current rules, you need to file a self-assessment tax return to pay the charge, but it was mentioned in the Spring Statement that this will soon be available to pay directly through PAYE. Once registered with HMRC, parents should be able to choose to have their HICBC collected through their monthly pay packet, meaning they'll no longer need to file a return for that purpose. How much is Child Benefit and what was the increase for 2025? From April 7 2025, parents receive £26.05 a week (£1,355 a year) for their eldest or only child and £17.25 a week (£897 a year) for each additional child. These figures are a 1.7% increase on the £1,331 a year for the eldest child and £881 a year for each additional child paid in 2024-25 For now, if your income is over the threshold, you can choose to either get Child Benefit payments and pay any tax charge at the end of each tax year, or opt out of getting payments and not pay the tax charge. If you choose to opt out of getting Child Benefit payments You should still fill in the Child Benefit claim form. You need to state on the form that you do not want to get payments. You need to fill in the claim form if you want to: get National Insurance credits, which count towards your State Pension get your child a National Insurance number without them having to apply for one - they'll usually get the number before they turn 16 years old Recommended reading: Is there a two-child cap on Child Benefit? No, and this is the cause of a great deal of confusion, as Martin Lewis has explained on his website Money Saving Expert. "Child Benefit is a universal payment made for every child you have," he says. "It should accurately be called the 'two-child limit for Universal Credit or Tax Credits'. "This one applies to the benefits that people who have low incomes, whether they're working or not working, get. That's what this is about. "And in simple terms, it means if you have more than two children, then you won't get any additional benefit for the costs that they are incurring you (on Universal Credit and Tax Credits)." HMRC tax-free childcare HMRC is also reminding parents to apply for tax-free childcare. You can apply online for Tax-Free Childcare. This sees parents given up to £2,000 a year - split up into £500 each quarter - for each of their children to help with the costs of childcare. This goes up to £1,000 every three months if a child is disabled (or up to £4,000 a year in total). To get tax-free childcare, parents just need to set up an online childcare account for each child. For every £8 they pay into this account, the government will pay in £2 to use to pay a nursery or childminder. Are you missing out on egg-cellent childcare savings? 🥚 Chick out our Tax-Free Childcare scheme and sign up to unlock savings of up to £2,000 a year per child on approved childcare costs. 💸🐣 Find out more 👇 — HM Revenue & Customs (@HMRCgovuk) April 20, 2025 Your child must be 11 or under and usually live with you. They stop being eligible on September 1 after their 11th birthday. Adopted children are eligible, but foster children are not. HMRC says you can use it to pay for childminders, nurseries and nannies, plus after school clubs and play schemes. Your childcare provider must be signed up to the scheme before you can pay them and benefit from tax-free childcare.
