Introduction:
It’s hard to raise a child in United Kingdom, and costs of supporting the child is no less than seemingly impossible to bear. But you’d be amazed to know that the government of UK has a structure in place to help working parents to pay their childcare expenses.
This initiative helps (eligible) parents receive 20% of the expenses they face in childcare payments.
Here, let’s analyze how the account system works and discuss the things you need to know for taking advantage of this valuable support.
Eligibility Criteria for Availing Tax-Free Childcare Account
The account requires multiple merits for it’s eligibility, so parents must meet following requirements:
- Parents must be based in the UK
- Should have an 11 years old or younger child (16 years old or younger if somehow disabled)
- Parents must have a job or should be self-employed (same goes for a single parent)
- They should be earning less than £100,000 each year
- Should not be receiving Tax Credits or Universal Credit support
If you fall in this criteria, you may be deemed able to avail the childcare support account.
After getting accepted, if you pay £10,000 a year, the government will simultaneously play £2,000 for your child.
Steps to Opening a Support Account
Firstly, on government’s website, you’ll need to apply for an account online. You can also do this on government’s official app. You’ll be asked for some personal information about yourself, your child, and your employment status.
After getting yourself registered, you’ll be asked to pay for eligible childcare providers.
Paying After Getting Your Account
With money in your account, you’ll need to pay your childcare expenses. These expenses may include nurseries, nannies, registered childminders, after-school clubs, and vacation and holiday camps.
When you pay for it, childcare provider will be able to receive it. On the other hand, you will be given a receipt of the successful transaction.
Other Benefits of this Account
Several other benefits to using the Tax-Free Childcare Account are there in addition to the 20% government support. For example:
- Increased flexibility, you can choose your preferable childcare providers to work with
- Useable with conjunction with Childcare Vouchers, the Childcare Element of Working Tax Credits and other childcare benefits
- Also useable to pay for childcare expenses in school holidays and after-school clubs
Conclusion:
For supporting UK parents, the Tax-exempt account is a great step.This way, struggling parents can be at ease with handling childcare payments.
With your understanding of eligibility merits, the application process may be easier, and parents may be able to take complete benefits of the governmental support of 20%, along with the other benefits.
Planning to send your child to a nursery, childminder, or even an after-school club; it’s now easier than it’s ever been before. This account helps remove the financial burden from parents, and help them live life to the fullest.
Contact Us for free Advice:
To discuss how Accountants in Slough can assist you with your Accounts Preparation, please contact us for a free, no obligation consultation on: 0333 772 1616 or complete our Contact form and we will get back to you.