Tax free childcare information for providers
Why sign up for Tax-Free Childcare?
To receive payments through Tax-Free Childcare (TFC), you must register as a childcare provider.
You should receive an invitation letter with a unique ID. You will need this ID to register.
The registration process is quick and simple. It usually takes less than 10 minutes.
Once registered, parents can add your setting to their TFC account. They can then pay you directly through the scheme.
Identifying payments
Each TFC payment includes a unique child reference number.
The reference number will appear on the payment in your bank account. Parents receive this number when they register for TFC.
The reference includes:
- The first letter of the child's first name.
- The first three letters of the child's surname.
- A five-digit number.
- The letters TFC.
For example:
JSMI12345TFC
Parents can give you this reference number. It helps you match payments to the correct child.
If you are unsure who a payment belongs to, use the payment reconciliation form
Parents cannot find your business
Some providers are classed as sensitive providers by their regulator. This often applies to childminders who work from home.
For extra security, parents may not be able to find your business by name.
Instead, they will need:
- Your regulator ID.
- Your postcode.
If you think you have been marked as a sensitive provider by mistake, contact your regulator.
Finding your regulator ID
If you do not know your regulator ID, visit your regulator's website for guidance.
Forgotten your user ID
If you have forgotten or lost your user ID, contact the Childcare Service Helpline:
Tel: 0300 123 4097
Have not received an invitation?
To join TFC, you must be registered with the relevant regulator, such as the Office for Standards in Education, Children's Services and Skills (Ofsted).
Your invitation letter will include:
- Your unique user ID.
- Information you need to register.
The letter should be sent to your childcare setting's address.
If you have not received it, contact the Childcare Service Helpline on 0300 123 4097. They can send another copy.
If you share your address with another organisation, such as a school or church hall, ask for the letter to be sent by recorded delivery and clearly marked for your attention.
Tax-Free Childcare for nannies
To join TFC, you must be a nanny who is registered or approved by a UK regulatory authority.
Registration can take up to 12 weeks. There may also be registration and annual fees.
Once your registration is complete, you should receive an invitation letter to join TFC.
If you do not receive the letter, or you lose it, contact the Childcare Service Helpline on 0300 123 4097.
See further details about becoming a childminder or nanny.
Missing payments
TFC payments are made by bank transfer.
Payments are processed on working days and usually reach your account within 24 hours. This may vary depending on your bank.
Payments over £2,000 are made using Bankers' Automated Clearing Services (BACS) transfers.
BACS payments can take up to three working days to arrive.