Tax Free Childcare Top Up Calculator

Once you've set up your Tax-Free Childcare account, working out exactly how much to pay in isn't always as straightforward as it sounds. The government tops up every £8 you pay in with £2 — but your allowance is capped at £500 per quarter, and any unused allowance doesn't carry over to the next period. If your childcare costs vary across the year, getting the timing wrong can mean missing out on government top-ups you're entitled to.

Use this Tax-Free Childcare calculator to work out exactly how much to pay into your account each quarter, taking your full annual eligibility and childcare costs into account — so you never leave free money on the table.

Not yet sure if you're eligible for Tax-Free Childcare? Check your eligibility here, or if your income is close to £100,000 it's worth understanding how your adjusted net income could affect your entitlement.