General Info & FAQ
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FAQ: Form 2441; Child & Dependent Care Credit
Form 2441 Child & Dependent Care Credit
Taxpayer/Spouse: Add Form by selecting “Edit My Return” from Summary Page, or by expanding the “Credit” list and clicking “Add Credit Form”.
Dependents: Form is generated from the Dependent Listing Page.
For more information, See:
IRS Publication 503; Child & Dependent Care Expense
IRS Tax Topic 602; Child & Dependent Care Credit
IRS Form 2441 Child & Dependent Care Credit Instructions.
General Information
A qualifying Tax Return will include the Child & Dependent Tax Credit when:
Dependents:
The Dependent & Household Member Listing Page has the following completed:
"Yes" is selected for having Dependent Care Expenses.
The amount of Dependent Care Expenses has been entered (within Dependent & Household Member Listing Page)
Form 2441; Child & Dependent Care Credit is completed (Daycare Provider Information & Amount Paid).
Disabled Spouse:
Add Form 2441; Child & Dependent Care Credit to the Federal Tax Return.
Complete all required information.
Spouse Information Page must have Disabled selected.
FAQ
What is the Child and Dependent Care Credit?
The Child and Dependent Care Credit is a tax credit that is given to working taxpayers that have had to pay out-of-pocket for a qualifying individual so they can work.
I Am Filing Married Filing Separate, Do I Qualify For Credit?
No. To Qualify For The Child & Dependent Care Credit, your filing status can not be Married Filing Separate.
Who is a Qualifying Individual for the Child & Dependent Care Credit?
A Qualifying Individual for the Child & Dependent Care Credit is:
Qualifying child under 13 years old (12 years and younger) when the care was provided.
Disabled Spouse who lived with you for more than half the year.
Disabled Individual who lived with you more than half the year. This individual must be either:
Your Dependent
Could of been claimed as your dependent but did not qualify due to their income exceeding the exemption amount.
Disabled Definition: Physically or Mentally Not Able to Care for Oneself - An individual is physically or mentally incapable of self-care if, as a result of a physical or mental defect, the individual is incapable of caring for his or her hygiene or nutritional needs, or requires the full-time attention of another person for the individual's own safety or the safety of others. (Per IRS Tax Topic 602; Child & Dependent Care Credit)
Do All Taxpayers Qualify?
No, To qualify for the Child & Dependent Care Credit:
The expenses must have been paid in order for the Taxpayer (and Spouse when filing Married Filing Jointly) to work, or actively look for work.
You must have Earned Income (wages, salaries, tips, other taxable compensation, taxable self-employment income, strike benefits, disability pay) over $3,000.
Is There A Limit To The Amount Of Paid Expenses I Can Claim?
Yes. There is a dollar limit on the amount of your work-related expenses you can use to figure the credit. This limit is $3,000 for one qualifying person, or $6,000 for two or more qualifying persons.
You must subtract any Employer Paid Care Expenses.
How Is The Child & Dependent Care Credit Calculated?
The credit amount is determined by multiplying your Adjusted Gross Income by a %.
See IRS Publication 503; Child & Dependent Care Expenses