Children starting to go back to schools and nurseries this September. This means more employees are also going back to work full time due to the withdrawal of CJRS support, thus working parents may need to start thinking about childcare. HMRC are issuing reminders that support is available for families towards their childcare costs. If they haven’t already done so, they should set up a “Tax-Free” Childcare Account. This will help families pay towards the cost of childminders, breakfast and after school clubs. The support also covers nursery fees and approved play schemes. For every £8 an eligible family pay into the special account the government adds £2, up to £2,000 a year. If the child is disabled, this goes up to £4,000 a year.
The scheme is available to parents or carers who have children aged up to 11, or 17 if their child is disabled. Parents can access HMRC Childcare support in addition to 30 hours free childcare if they are eligible for both. If the employee or their partner have an expected ‘adjusted net income’ over £100,000 in the current tax year they will not be eligible. This includes any bonuses they expect to get.
For more details see: HMRC can help with childcare costs as children head back to school – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)