SE21687 - Benefits: childcare

If an employer provides employees with help with childcare the provision will normally give rise to a tax charge on the employees concerned. Note though that there is a special exemption which applies to certain workplace nurseries for 1990/91 onwards ( SE21900 onwards).

The following table sets out the ways in which childcare assistance might be provided, and the way in which Schedule E liability will arise in each case.

Nature of provisionSection of ICTA88Relevant instructions
All directors and employees whatever their rate of payEmployer pays a cash allowance to help with childcare expensesSection 19
SE05100Employer pays the fees of a nursery or childminder engaged by the employeeSection 19
SE00580Employer reimburses childcare expenses to employeeSection 19
SE00520 and SE00590Employer provides vouchers which employee can use to pay for childcareSection 141
SE16000 to SE16220Directors and employees within Part V Chapter II
Employer provides a nursery or childminder to look after employees' childrenSection 154SE21101
Exemption for certain work-place nurseriesSection 155ASE21900