Childcare Vouchers Contractor Guide
Childcare vouchers are not always well known or understood. They are commonly viewed as a scheme that only employee’s can benefit from, however this isn’t the case Contractors can benefit too.
What are Childcare Vouchers?
A government initiative to help working parents afford quality childcare.
Childcare vouchers can save parents a significant amount in tax each year on childcare costs for those with qualifying children.
Childcare vouchers tend to be associated with those employers who choose to provide this benefit to their employees, but contractors can also benefit from this initiative. As the scheme is not very well publicised a large majority of contractors fail to benefit from it.
Essentially, Childcare Vouchers enable you to pay for childcare out of your pre-tax income, whether it be company or personal income.
Qualifying age for childcare vouchers
You can use Childcare Vouchers for children up to the age of 15 or 16 if they are disabled. The child must be either your own child or your stepchild and live with you, for which you have parental responsibility.
Childcare Vouchers – The Basics
To qualify for the tax exemption the childcare must be provided through a registered or approved child carer. To check the definition of registered or approved where you live i.e. England, Ireland, Scotland, Wales please refer to the HMRC website:
http://www.hmrc.gov.uk/taxcredits/start/who-qualifies/children/approved-childcare.htm.
If paying for childcare vouchers from your gross pay (on or after 6th April 2011)
If you were already using childcare vouchers before 6th April 2011 you will continue to receive the full exempt allowance of £55 per week regardless of basic/higher rate tax as long as your work contract has not changed and there are no breaks in your voucher allocations of 12 months or more.
| Basic Rate | Higher Rate | Additional Rate | |
| Weekly | £55 | £28 | £22 |
| Monthly | £243 | £124 | £97 |
| Annually | £2915 | £1484 | £1166 |
The allowance is per working parent not per household. Amounts in excess of the exempt amounts stated above are liable to tax and NIC’s and also have to be reported as a benefit in kind.
Childcare vouchers can be saved up, for example to meet higher childcare costs during school holidays.
How do Childcare Vouchers work for contractors running their own limited company?
Contractors simply source an approved childcare provider and arrange for their own limited company to pay the childcare provider directly. Doing it this way means the company receives tax relief on the payments which helps reduce your companies corporation tax bill.
Important Considerations
Check to see if there is any impact on other benefits you receive, i.e. Tax Credits. In some cases you may be better off not using childcare vouchers as it may remove/affect your entitlement to Tax Credits. Please refer to the HMRC website for further information:
www.hmrc.gov.uk/childcare
www.hmrc.gov.uk/taxcredits
It is important to speak with your accountant as to which option (salary sacrifice or addition to salary) is the most suitable for you based on your individual circumstances.
Childcare care vouchers – frequently asked questions
Is VAT Chargeable on childcare vouchers?
No. Childcare is exempt from VAT.
Where can I get information about childcare in my area?
You can speak to your accountant if you have one or visit www.direct.gov.uk, alternatively your local authority can help you find registered childcare.
Where can I get more information and advice about getting help with childcare?
The Daycare Trust (National Childcare Charity) aims to secure access to high quality affordable childcare for all.
Can I get a refund for any vouchers I don’t use?
HMRC allows vouchers to be refunded but this tends to be restricted to vouchers issued in the current tax year.
If you have any questions about contracting or would like any further advice please call our new client services team on 0500 152500 / 01442 275789 or email jaime.thorpe@sjdaccountancy.com
SJD Accountancy
SJD Accountancy are the UK's largest specialist provider of fixed fee, limited company accountancy services to contractors; we've been acting for contractors across the UK since 1992 and have more than 11,000 clients.
We are the only National specialist firm of accountants with offices in all major UK cities so you’ll never be far from your accountant. SJD also have more qualified staff than any other firm in our market with qualifications from the following major tax and accountancy bodies - ATII, ATT, ACCA, CA, ACA, FCCA, ACMA. You’ll also be pleased to know that we are one of the lowest priced as well.
Free face-to-face meetings. This is another unique service, only SJD offers free face to face meetings - tax is complicated and sometimes only a meeting will do.
Unlimited access to your own dedicated accountant. No call centres, no outsourcing, no automated call handling. Simply telephone, e-mail or meet your own dedicated accountant face to face.
Money back service guarantee. All your telephone calls and e-mails will be answered the same day or we will refund your monthly fee's.
Outstanding reputation. We have won more awards for customer service and accountancy excellence than any other firm in our market.
All inclusive low cost monthly package which includes completion of accounts, payroll bureau, dividends and corporation tax computations, personal taxation, free bookkeeping software, unlimited access to your accountant and all company returns. All this for a fixed monthly fee of £110 plus VAT, which is one of the lowest prices in the market.
If you have any questions about contracting or would like any further advice please either contact your SJD Accountant or call our new client services helpdesk on 0500 152500 / 01442 275789 or email: nikki.hanlon@sjdaccountancy.com.
Appoint SJD Accountancy and never worry about your tax or accountancy affairs again!
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