Working parents in Dorset could save £2,000 with Tax-Free Childcare
The scheme is run by HM Revenue and Customs.
Working parents in Dorset are being reminded to take advantage of the HMRC Tax-Free Childcare scheme.
100,000 parents and families in the South West could save up to £2,000 per child, per year to put towards after-school clubs and other childcare services.
All families have to do is pay into a HMRC 'Tax-Free Childcare account and for every £8 they deposit; the government makes a top-up payment of £2.
The following criteria applies:
Have children aged 0-11 years-old.
You are working in the UK.
Not on Tax Credit or Universal Credit.
Earning no more than £100,000 a year.
Working 16 hours or more.
Families with a disabled child, aged 0-17 years old, can receive up to £4,000 in government support each year.
Jacquetta Brown from the HMRC said:
"Childcare help can look a little bit confusing, which is why we try and tell everyone about this scheme, because it is a real bonus for after school clubs or registered approved childcare, whatever childcare it is you need.
"It used to be quite confusing, but now there is a really good calculator online, all families need to do is search 'Childcare calculator' and it takes about five minutes and it works out the best childcare you can claim."
All families need to do is register the details of their children. They will also be asked to confirm they are still using childcare at certain points during the year.
Jacquetta continued:
"And it's great because as you put money in, the government puts their money in straight away and the childcare provider gets the money from the account.
"The good news is, it also applies to the self-employed. Whether they need cover for certain days of the week, after school or in the school holidays, it all goes towards help for childcare."