Employing Your Children in Your Business

By Graham | May 1, 2023

Including your children in your business and finances can be a rewarding experience, offering them valuable work experience and instilling a strong work ethic while providing tax benefits for the business.

However, employing your children involves understanding and adhering to legal, tax, and regulatory requirements. This article will help you navigate the complexities of employing your children, ensuring compliance with regulations and avoiding potential pitfalls with HMRC.

From understanding the legal working age and work hour limitations to determining appropriate remuneration and obtaining necessary work permits, this guide will cover all the essential aspects of employing your children in your business.

Table of Contents

Legal Age and Work Hour Limitations

The legal working age for children in the UK is 13 years old, with specific job exceptions like acting or modelling. Work hour limitations depend on the child’s age and time of year, with term-time and school holiday rules applying. Ensuring their work does not interfere with their education, health, and safety is essential.

Determining Appropriate Remuneration

The salary paid to a child must be justified by their duties in your business. The national minimum wage applies to employees aged 16 or more, with reduced rates for younger workers or those undergoing training. Pay must be commercially justified and in line with a non-family member’s pay for the same job.

Tax Implications and National Insurance

Children can earn a tax-free salary up to the Personal Allowance. Salary exceeding the usual thresholds for those aged 16 or older will incur employer and employee’s National Insurance contributions. Consult with your Accountant to understand your situation’s tax implications and National Insurance requirements.

Work Permits for School-Aged Children

Your local council may require a child employment permit before employing your child. Check the gov.uk website to ensure compliance with child employment legislation.

Job Roles for Children

Assign genuine and meaningful roles with realistic remuneration reflecting the work they do. Utilise your child’s skills and interests for their job roles. Remember that HMRC may disallow salaries they deem excessive or disguised payments to directors.

Benefits for Both Parents and Children

Employing your child can provide valuable work experience and foster a strong work ethic. As a business owner, you can benefit from tax savings and corporation tax relief on their salary. Ensure compliance with council rules, pay them fairly, and respect the hourly work limits.

Avoiding HMRC Penalties

If HMRC suspects tax avoidance, they may apply income-shifting rules, resulting in back taxes and potential penalties. Ensure your child’s salary and job role are reasonable to avoid investigations.

Seeking Professional Guidance

Navigating the complexities of employing your child can be challenging. Seeking professional help can ensure compliance with regulations and prevent potential issues with HMRC.

Frequently Asked Questions

At what age can I employ my children in my business?

You can generally employ your children from the age of 13 onwards. However, there are restrictions on the type of work they can do, and work hours depending on their age and the time of the year. Ensure you comply with local rules and regulations.

Can I pay my children less than the National Minimum Wage?

Children aged 13-15 are not entitled to the National Minimum Wage. However, for those aged 16 and above, you must pay them at least the appropriate National Minimum Wage rate.

What are the tax implications of employing my children?

You can claim tax relief on your children’s salaries as long as they are reasonable and reflect their duties in your business. However, if HMRC deems the salaries excessive, they may disallow the expense.

Do I need to register my children as employees?

While it’s not mandatory to register your children as employees if they earn under the National Insurance Lower Earnings Limit, it’s advisable to register and document all payments to avoid potential issues with HMRC.

What are the work hours and conditions for employing children?

Work hours for children depend on their age and the time of the year, with different rules for term time and school holidays. You must also ensure that their work does not interfere with their education and adheres to health and safety regulations.

Can I employ my children’s friends as well?

Yes, you can employ your children’s friends. Still, you must treat them as regular employees, deducting tax and National Insurance contributions when their earnings exceed the thresholds in any one month.

How can I ensure compliance with HMRC regulations?

To ensure compliance with HMRC regulations, ensure your child’s salary and job role are reasonable, document all payments, and seek professional guidance from a qualified accountant or tax advisor.

What are the benefits of employing my children in my business?

Employing your children can provide them with valuable work experience, instil a strong work ethic, and offer tax savings for your business. It is essential to comply with local rules, pay fairly, and respect hourly work limits.

Do I need a work permit for my child?

Your local council may require a child employment permit before employing your child. Check with your local council to ensure compliance with child employment legislation.

Can I employ my adult children as freelancers or junior partners?

Yes, adult or older children with their own businesses can provide services to your business, saving on National Insurance contributions. Employment status rules apply in determining whether they are employed or self-employed. Younger children can also be taken into partnership, provided they genuinely participate in the business.

We Can Help

Employing your children in your business can be a mutually beneficial experience, providing them with valuable skills and work experience while offering tax advantages for your business.

However, navigating the legal, regulatory, and tax requirements can be complex and challenging. Understanding these requirements and adhering to the guidelines can create a rewarding and compliant working relationship with your children.

For a smoother experience and to ensure that you fully comply with all regulations, we recommend seeking professional guidance from a qualified accountant. They can help you navigate the complexities and provide tailored advice for your unique situation.

If you require further assistance or have any questions, please get in touch with our team at Mercian Accountants. We are here to help you make the most of your business and your children’s involvement in it. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and discuss how we can support you and your family in your business endeavours.