Wed Sep 25 09:00:01 UTC 2024: ## Tax-Free Childcare: Payment Provider Account Sign-Up Guide

The UK government’s Tax-Free Childcare scheme is now open for payment providers to sign up. This scheme allows parents to receive government funding towards their childcare costs, and payment providers can access this funding through an online account.

**To sign up as a payment provider, you’ll need to:**

* **Meet the eligibility criteria:** Be a main contact for your business and have a software developer to integrate with the Tax-Free Childcare system.
* **Provide necessary documents:** This includes your company’s registration documents and software details.
* **Create an account:** You’ll need a user ID and password to sign in to your payment provider account.
* **Link your account to parents:** Allow parents to link their Tax-Free Childcare account with your payment app so they can use the government funding to pay for childcare.

**The application process can take up to 10 working days.**

**Once you’ve successfully signed up, you’ll need to:**

* **Keep your security information up to date:** Log in to your account regularly to ensure all details are correct.
* **Nominate a delegate (optional):** You can designate someone else to manage your account.
* **Contact the Childcare Service helpline:** If you need help with your account, encounter any problems, or have any questions.

**HMRC services may experience delays during peak times.**

**For further information on Tax-Free Childcare, visit GOV.UK.**

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