The feature 'Starting out' (1 August) contained incorrect information about tax and benefits for childminders. Childminders only disregard two-thirds of the childminding allowance as expenses when they are claiming income support, jobseeker's allowance, Working Families Tax Credit, housing benefit or council tax benefit. In other situations they should only deduct costs directly related to their childminding business as expenses and they should calculate their income tax in the same way as other self-employed people.
The feature 'Starting out' (1 August) contained incorrect information about tax and benefits for childminders.
Childminders only disregard two-thirds of the childminding allowance as expenses when they are claiming income support, jobseeker's allowance, Working Families Tax Credit, housing benefit or council tax benefit. In other situations they should only deduct costs directly related to their childminding business as expenses and they should calculate their income tax in the same way as other self-employed people.
For a free copy of the leaflet, Tax and benefits information for childminders, send us an SAE marked 'Tax and benefits leaflet' to the National Childminding Association (NCMA).
Elyssa Campbell Barr, NCMA, 8 Masons Hill, Bromley, Kent BR2 9EY
