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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To take payment for this?

72 replies

Flatbrokefornow · 27/03/2022 12:49

I am utterly broke, even before my energy bills and mortgage go up at the end of this month. Skipping-meals-and-showers broke. I’m WFH (part-time employed, part-time self-employed. Self employed is improving but was hit by covid. Employed can’t offer more hours. We will be okay longer term, I think) and have a child just in high school.

A neighbour is looking for someone to drop off/pick up her child (who I know well) from primary school a few days a week and would like to pay me instead of wrap around care, because she doesn’t need regular days. She doesn’t get any childcare funding and thinks this ok, but I thought it wasn’t? With things as they are, I’m having a tough time thinking of turning it down. It would be easy for me to do, won’t interfere with my parenting or my working hours, and I would pay tax on the income. I can’t see other options (I’m already working all school hours) and it would help tremendously. The only other thing I can think of to do is sell my car, which would impact on my business. I don’t have any debt (except my mortgage) and have cut everything else for myself as far back as I can, although I do still pay for some small treats for my child. I’m a lone parent.

I should say no, shouldn’t I? But it would be better for all of us.

OP posts:
PurpleDrain · 27/03/2022 12:51

Why say no? You’re struggling massively and this will help.
Do it and for gods sake don’t pay tax. Hopefully she will pay you in cash.

Outwith · 27/03/2022 12:51

I'd be looking to make this work, and to understanding any legal problems with it.

Onlythelaundryfairy · 27/03/2022 12:51

If it's just the pick up and collection, surely that would be ok? You may need to adjust your cart insurance though. If you are providing childcare that gets a bit more complicated.

Onlythelaundryfairy · 27/03/2022 12:52

*car

BluebellsGreenbells · 27/03/2022 12:54

If you set this up as a childminder you need qualifications and business cover on the car and public liability insurance. Then there’s the paperwork.

If she wants a casual arrangement don’t pay tax and her payment should be to cover ‘essentials’

PurpleDrain · 27/03/2022 12:57

She’s a neighbour you’re doing a favour for. No one needs to know if money changes hands, don’t make it more complicated than it needs to be.

FairyCakeWings · 27/03/2022 12:58

Do it, it’s just an informal arrangement of the type people have been doing the world over for generations.

I agree don’t get into paying tax for it, if you open that can of worms you’ll have to register as a childminder, and have all the checks, inspections and training that go along with it. It’s not worth it for neighbours just doing each other a favour.

NarcissasMumintheDoghouse · 27/03/2022 12:59

Go for it!

It is a win/win for the working women of the world. You are helping her with her work commitments, she is helping you out of a jam.

(Regulations, tax and all the rest can go to hell; this is an age-old tradition of women helping women with the child care. Until the government acknowledges the need for affordable (or state-provided), fit-for-purpose child care it should keep its nose out of the private reciprocal arrangements people make to keep going.)

Toadsinholes · 27/03/2022 13:00

God, don’t pay tax on it. Take the money!!

SpringIntoChaos · 27/03/2022 13:01

Take the money!

Why would you pay tax on it...surely the payment is 'expenses' not salary 👌🏻

SpringLobelia · 27/03/2022 13:02

@NarcissasMumintheDoghouse

Go for it!

It is a win/win for the working women of the world. You are helping her with her work commitments, she is helping you out of a jam.

(Regulations, tax and all the rest can go to hell; this is an age-old tradition of women helping women with the child care. Until the government acknowledges the need for affordable (or state-provided), fit-for-purpose child care it should keep its nose out of the private reciprocal arrangements people make to keep going.)

I agree with this tbh.
clpsmum · 27/03/2022 13:05

@PurpleDrain

Why say no? You’re struggling massively and this will help. Do it and for gods sake don’t pay tax. Hopefully she will pay you in cash.
Exactly this! Don't pay tax no matter what the mumsnet goodytwoshoes try and guilt you in to. I don't think everyone is as righteous in real life as they are on mumsnet!
VyeBrator · 27/03/2022 13:05

Only on Mumsnet is looking after someone else's kid for a few quid, tantamount to bringing down the Bank of England 🙄

Meanwhile, mothers have been happily doing this ever since money was invented.

KylieCharlene · 27/03/2022 13:07

@PurpleDrain

She’s a neighbour you’re doing a favour for. No one needs to know if money changes hands, don’t make it more complicated than it needs to be.
Agree
cantbecoping · 27/03/2022 13:08

Do it!!!

SpringLobelia · 27/03/2022 13:08

@VyeBrator

Only on Mumsnet is looking after someone else's kid for a few quid, tantamount to bringing down the Bank of England 🙄

Meanwhile, mothers have been happily doing this ever since money was invented.

Literally no-one has said this on this thread.
BobbyeinArkansas · 27/03/2022 13:09

100% go for it. Of course you should. I certainly would.

Santaslittlemelter · 27/03/2022 13:09

@PurpleDrain

She’s a neighbour you’re doing a favour for. No one needs to know if money changes hands, don’t make it more complicated than it needs to be.
This a million times. Ignore mumsnet righteousness. You have one life and it’s not exactly giving you any favours. Do what you need to.
Steelesauce · 27/03/2022 13:12

I pay my friend to do a couple of school runs a week for me. Just the same as I pay her teen daughter to babysit for me. Its a normal thing! A bit of cash in hand exchanged to cover petrol and time and helps both parties out. Whats the issue?

babytum · 27/03/2022 13:16

Do it. And don’t pay tax. If she paid you in bottles of wine you wouldn’t disclose it for tax purposes. If it’s tickling you conscience think of it as being given money to choose your own wine 🍷
It’s a win/ win for both of you in a tough spot

RishiRich · 27/03/2022 13:18

Technically you should be registered as a childminder to do it. In real life, take the cash, don't go into the tax stuff. Totally agree with Narcissa.

viques · 27/03/2022 13:19

@Steelesauce

I pay my friend to do a couple of school runs a week for me. Just the same as I pay her teen daughter to babysit for me. Its a normal thing! A bit of cash in hand exchanged to cover petrol and time and helps both parties out. Whats the issue?
Exactly this. If the OP was being paid to babysit for five hours a week in the evening while her friend went out no one would bat an eyelid. Make sure the school has you down as a contact/ collector and crack on.
Moodycow78 · 27/03/2022 13:21

@VyeBrator

Only on Mumsnet is looking after someone else's kid for a few quid, tantamount to bringing down the Bank of England 🙄

Meanwhile, mothers have been happily doing this ever since money was invented.

I haven't read one post where anyone has said this, which thread are you reading?
Reviewer123456 · 27/03/2022 13:21

Do it, sounds like a win win situation.

CanIPleaseHaveOne · 27/03/2022 13:21

You will not earn enough to owe tax on it.

Do it, take cash, and give yourself a much needed break.

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