# Tax Free Childcare Calculator

Use this independent UK calculator to estimate how much to pay into a Tax-Free Childcare account and how much the government may add.

Tax-Free Childcare usually works as an 80/20 split. For every £8 paid into a childcare account, the government adds £2, subject to scheme limits. This means parents normally pay 80% of an eligible childcare bill and the government top-up covers 20%.

## Inputs

- Childcare provider bill.
- Existing balance in the childcare account.
- Government top-up already received in the current 3-month period.
- Whether the child has a disability.

## Outputs

- Estimated amount to pay into the childcare account.
- Estimated government top-up.
- Remaining top-up opportunity in the current quarter.

## Limits

- Standard child: up to £500 government top-up every 3 months.
- Disabled child: up to £1,000 government top-up every 3 months.
- Annual equivalent: up to £2,000 per child, or up to £4,000 for a disabled child.

## Examples

- £500 provider bill: pay £400, government adds £100.
- £1,000 provider bill: pay £800, government adds £200.
- £2,500 provider bill: pay £2,000, government adds £500.

## Important note

This calculator is not an official GOV.UK service. It provides estimates only. Use GOV.UK to check eligibility, apply, reconfirm details, sign in to a childcare account, and confirm current scheme rules.