Chatterbox Childcare
28-03-2011, 06:23 PM
I got this information from a fact sheet today and thought it may be of interest as an opinion as the subject is being debated quite a bit
Food and Drink
Childminders have suggested that it would be useful if HMRC would allow a set amount for children’s meals. In fact, HMRC has always been keen that taxpayers claim only the actual sums spent, which is why it is willing to offer a concession on receipts rather than allow a flat rate for meals. The argument is that while some childminders may provide “gourmet” meals, others may provide beans on toast – so a flat rate wouldn’t be fair.
Most tax offices are quite flexible. If, for instance, you regularly make batches of food and use half for the children you care for and half for your family, just claim half as expenses – there’s no need to budget down to the last spoonful of flour or splash of milk.
HMRC guidance (Business Income Manual: BIM52751) says that “reasonable estimates for the costs of food and drink provided for the children being cared for are
acceptable and receipts will not be required”. However, if you buy food or other items for childminding alongside normal household shopping, it would be good practice to
keep the receipts for the total and highlight these particular items. Although you need not keep receipts for tax purposes, you must now keep a record of food purchases for food hygiene reasons.
Food and Drink
Childminders have suggested that it would be useful if HMRC would allow a set amount for children’s meals. In fact, HMRC has always been keen that taxpayers claim only the actual sums spent, which is why it is willing to offer a concession on receipts rather than allow a flat rate for meals. The argument is that while some childminders may provide “gourmet” meals, others may provide beans on toast – so a flat rate wouldn’t be fair.
Most tax offices are quite flexible. If, for instance, you regularly make batches of food and use half for the children you care for and half for your family, just claim half as expenses – there’s no need to budget down to the last spoonful of flour or splash of milk.
HMRC guidance (Business Income Manual: BIM52751) says that “reasonable estimates for the costs of food and drink provided for the children being cared for are
acceptable and receipts will not be required”. However, if you buy food or other items for childminding alongside normal household shopping, it would be good practice to
keep the receipts for the total and highlight these particular items. Although you need not keep receipts for tax purposes, you must now keep a record of food purchases for food hygiene reasons.