Whatever the situation is, you’ll always need help with cashing off benefits. But the first important question is: do you even qualify for tax-free childcare from the government? Let’s say you qualify for the tax-free childcare scheme. Then what’s next?
Before going for tax-free childcare understand that if you choose to go for it, your universal tax credit award may be terminated. So before choosing the childcare scheme, understand that the entire contract that includes universal credits for your children, housing, and you too will be cancelled. Here are some important questions we’d like to help you out with:
What is Tax-Free Childcare?
Tax-Free Childcare is a government scheme in the UK designed to help working parents with the cost of childcare. It allows eligible parents to open an online account and receive up to £2,000 per child, per year, towards their childcare costs. This amount increases to £4,000 per year for disabled children.
Who is Eligible for Tax-Free Childcare?
To be eligible for Tax-Free Childcare, you must meet the following criteria:
- Your child must be under 11 years old (or under 17 if disabled).
- You and your partner must be working and earning at least £2,379 per three months (2024/25).
- You must be a citizen of the UK or European Economic Area (EEA).
- Your combined household income must not exceed £100,000.
Why Tax Credits or Universal Credits are a Better Option?
Normally, people end up with childcare vouchers because you get a reduction of every one pound on childcare. The majority of people save up to 20p for every pound of childcare. Talk about savings done right with the right tax benefits. So let’s calculate the percentage you may get back. When you do a basic calculation, understand that a basic rate of 20% will be reduced.
Is it a Good Idea to Avail of Tax-Free Childcare?
Is it a Good Idea to Avail of Tax-Free Childcare? If you’re looking for something that doesn’t involve multiple benefits like benefits for your family, childcare is the best option.
But first, let’s get into the background of things. The tax-free childcare scheme was introduced by the government in 2017. It’s the perfect opportunity for eligible parents to open up an account. Eligible parents open up an account that is backed by the government to cover 20% of the cost. So what if you continue getting childcare vouchers, and how long do you continue taking childcare vouchers? What’s the possibility that you continue getting childcare vouchers regularly? Continue receiving vouchers as long as:
- You’re staying with the same employer and they continue running the scheme.
- There’s no unpaid career break longer than a year.
- You’re not switching to a childcare voucher scheme.
Not that we’ve clarified everything about childcare, it’s time to move to calculate how much childcare can you calculate. The approved childcare includes; free childcare for people aged between 2-4. If your child is under 16, you’ll get help with childcare costs too.
Disclaimer: All the information provided in this article on tax-free childcare, including all the texts and graphics, is general in nature. It does not intend to disregard any of the professional advice.