Tax Free Childcare Calculator
Work out how much to pay into your childcare account and how much the government will add.
Work out how much to pay into your childcare account and how much the government will add.
You pay into a childcare account. The government adds to it. Then you pay your childcare provider.
Apply on GOV.UK for each eligible child.
The government adds £2 for every £8 you deposit, up to the limit.
Use the combined balance to pay for approved childcare.
That gives you £1,000 to pay your provider.
This example assumes no existing account balance and enough top-up allowance left.
Pay your provider or reconfirm your details.
Find out which childcare support you can get.
Get started with Tax-Free Childcare.
You and your partner, if you have one, usually need to be working and meet the minimum earnings rules. Each parent's expected adjusted net income must be £100,000 or less. Children can qualify until the September after they turn 11, or 16 with a qualifying disability. Some exceptions apply.
Enter your available balance in the calculator. It reduces how much you need to pay in to cover the next bill. Include any government top-ups already received in your current 3-month period too.
Once you have used a child's allowance for the current 3-month period, extra deposits will not receive a government top-up in that period. The calculator accounts for this. Check your period dates and remaining allowance in your childcare account.
Yes, if you qualify for both schemes. Use your funded hours first, then calculate what to pay towards the remaining eligible bill. Leave out the value of hours that are already funded.
Yes, if the club is an approved childcare provider and has signed up to Tax-Free Childcare. The scheme can also cover nurseries, childminders and nannies. Ask the provider before booking.
No. You cannot get Tax-Free Childcare while claiming Universal Credit or childcare vouchers. Compare the support available before switching schemes.
Free holiday clubs, booking dates and help with paid care.
Which extras are optional, and how to question your bill.
What the wider offer means for your family.
When to apply and get your eligibility code.
This independent calculator is for guidance only. It is not part of GOV.UK or HMRC. Results depend on the details you enter and the scheme limits. Check the official rules on GOV.UK.