This post could could stop you from getting into trouble!
Last week I got into a debate with a self-employed friend: she was convinced that as a sole trader she could consider childcare to be a business expense. After all, she needed the childcare to be able to work.
On the other hand, I was almost certain that in the UK, HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) don’t consider childcare to be a business expense.
I asked accountant Jonathan Freeman of Freeman and Co to answer our question for us. He said:
Unfortunately, childcare costs paid by a sole trader would not be considered wholly and exclusively for the purpose of the trade and therefore would not be tax deductible.
The only childcare costs I’m aware of which are allowable as a deduction are those where an employer provides childcare facilities to its staff. There is detailed guidance about this on HMRC’s website http://www.hmrc.gov.uk/paye/exb/a-z/c/childcare.htm
As a sole trader it may however be possible to claim Working Tax Credit, which does include a childcare element.
So I was right, but it’s not exactly good news. 🙁
Although this might be basic stuff for some people, there are many mums who aren’t making enough money to pay an accountant to advise them and could be totally unaware that childcare can’t be claimed as a business expense. And you could have problems (and a hefty repayment to make) if HMRC found that you’d added childcare to your business expenses in error and paid less tax as a result.
If you’re not sure just what is allowed as business expenses, take a look at this leaflet. You might be surprised!
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