I didn't knowthat preschool tuition was tax deductible until 2017.He went to a preschool in 2016. Can I claim 2016 tuition ($1,120) this year at all?

[mattcommark]

It was a religious preschool (perhaps tax exempt because of that?) and I paid $1,120 in 2016 and $1,120 in 2017.  The question in TurboTax is "how much did you pay in 2017".  I only found out preschool tuition was deductible this year when I transferred him to an Elementary school preschool program and they sent me tax forms.

[xmasbaby0]

Did your child attend the preK so that you could work?  It is only deductible if you had childcare so that you could work.

[mattcommark]

I was working full time.  My wife works PT via 1099.  The hours for his school and her work sometimes clashed, but overall it's just that she wanted him to attend preschool.

[mattcommark]

I see from the answer here (<a rel="nofollow" target="_blank" href="https://ttlc.intuit.com/questions/3419688">https://ttlc.intuit.com/questions/3419688</a>) that it should be deductible as both she and I earned wages and the situation was the same in 2016 as well.  So I guess my question remains as to whether or not I lost the chance to claim the credit in 2016 returns or if I can somehow claim it now.

[xmasbaby0 · Accepted solution]

If you both show earned income the preK costs can be entered for the childcare credit.  You cannot claim the 2016 credit on your 2017 tax return.  If you want to claim it for 2016 you need to amend your 2016 tax return.

https://ttlc.intuit.com/questions/3061514-how-do-i-amend-a-2016-return-in-turbotax

To enter the childcare credit go to Federal>Deductions and Credits>You and Your Family>Child and Dependent Care Credit

[mattcommark]

Thank you very much.  Especially for the link.

[xmasbaby0]

You're welcome!