Tax free child care question

[Else89]

Hi there,

My son is due to start nursery on 1st November. I’m wanting to set up/use the government tax free childcare account. Does anyone know when I should be setting this up? I’m due to go back to work in October (husband taking annual leave till my son starts nursery in Nov).

I want to ensure it’s all ready to go by the first bill due on 1st- anyone know when is the earliest I can get this set up by please?

Also any tips for those who are using this scheme would be really appreciated (the government guidance isn’t very clear).

Thanks so much!

I know this because I'm in the same situation. Currently on mat leave.

You can't apply until 31 days before you are due back to work.

You can apply 31 days before the end of your mat leave. This does not include any annual leave you might have tagged on to the end of your mat leave.

Thanks so much!

FYI it's a really clunky system to use too. Can take ages for funds to clear into it once paid in, and then again for them to top it up with the 20% for you to be able to pay it out.

Example.

I get paid lwd of the month so pay into the tfc account for both children.

The next working day I log back in again to send the money out to the childcare providers.

I then have to log back in again the next day (usually the next working day too) to be able to see my payment on the statement to take a screenshot of it to send to the cm and out of school club.

Even more hassle when it falls over a weekend or bank holiday.

It's worth it for the 20% but bloody hell they make you earn it!!!!

You can pay money in by standing order. And if the amount is the same each month you can set up a standing order to pay out too. Mine wasn’t always the same so I didn’t bother with that just logged in and paid like I would by bill. Provider never asked for a screen shot - assume they checked their account.