Tax-Free Childcare
Apply for Tax-Free Childcare
Use this service to apply for Tax-Free Childcare.
If you live in England, HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) will also check if you’re eligible for Free Childcare for Working Parents when you apply for Tax-Free Childcare.
If you already get Tax-Free Childcare, you can sign in to your childcare account to confirm your details are up to date and pay your childcare provider.
What you need to apply
You’ll need your (and your partner’s, if you have one):
- National Insurance number
- Unique Taxpayer Reference (UTR), if you’re self-employed
You’ll also need:
- the UK birth certificate reference number (if you have one) of any children you’re applying for
- the date you started or are due to start work (this can be approximate if more than 3 months ago)
If you’re a company director
You’ll need to show you meet the minimum income requirements to be eligible. HMRC will try to check this using your PAYE records.
If you do not submit regular PAYE information, you may have to provide evidence to show you are working and expect to meet the minimum income requirements for the next 3 months.
This could be:
- wage slips
- bank statements
- a statement from your accountant
- copies of invoices
If you’re not paid regularly (for example, once a year) you may need to send other evidence to show you’ll meet the minimum income requirements, such as:
- annual wage slips
- year end payroll
- a letter from your tax agent or adviser confirming your salary has been paid and taxed
You’ll need to do this the first time you apply, and every time you reconfirm your eligibility.
If you have a partner
You must include your partner in your application if you are:
- married or in a civil partnership and live together
- not married or in a civil partnership, but living together as though you are
Their employment and income will not affect your eligibility if they:
- are or will be absent from your household for more than 6 months
- are a prisoner
You and your partner cannot both have accounts for the same child.
If you are separated
You and your ex-partner need to decide who should apply if you are jointly responsible for your child.
If you cannot decide, both of you must apply separately and HMRC will decide who gets a childcare account.
When to apply
You can apply any time unless:
- you’re starting or re-starting work
- you’re on maternity, paternity, shared parental or adoption leave
If you’re starting or returning to work, your start or return date will determine when you need to apply.
| When you’re starting or returning to work | When to apply from |
|---|---|
| Between 1 May and 30 September | From 1 April |
| Between 1 October and 31 January | From 1 September |
| Between 1 February and 30 April | From 1 January |
Apply
You’ll need to set up a childcare account.
It usually takes 20 minutes to apply.
If you’ve been unable to use the service
You may be able to claim compensation if you’ve been unable to access your account due to technical problems with the childcare service.
After you’ve applied
You’ll usually find out if you’re eligible straight away, but it can take up to 7 days.
Contact the Childcare Service helpline if you applied more than 7 days ago and you have not heard from HMRC.