Childcare costs - how to work them out for your tax credits claim

You can get extra tax credits to help with the cost of registered or approved childcare that you pay for. The amount of tax credits you'll get is based on your average weekly childcare costs.

On this page:

How to work out your childcare costs

There is a simple calculator you can use on the GOV.UK website to work out your average weekly costs. Follow the link below.

Tax credits: working out your childcare costs on GOV.UK (Opens new window)

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Why you need to work out your childcare costs

You need to work out your average weekly costs accurately if you're:

  • claiming help through tax credits for your childcare costs
  • already getting tax credits and your childcare costs change - you may need to report a change in circumstances

Otherwise you may get paid too much - or not enough - tax credits.

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What not to include in your costs

Only include childcare costs you actually pay yourself when using the GOV.UK calculator.

Don't include costs covered by any of the following:

  • childcare payments from your employer - either in money or childcare vouchers
  • childcare vouchers in return for a reduction in your pay - this is called a 'salary sacrifice'
  • childcare payments or grants from a Government Scheme, for example to help you start work or because you are a student
  • childcare costs met by your educational or local authority for your child's nursery childcare

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More useful links

Help with childcare costs - do you qualify?

Children with disabilities - can you get extra Child Tax Credit?

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