What is the minimum my spouse needs to earn at a part-time job so we can qualify for as many child/care tax credits?

Forum|Forum|7 years ago
September 4, 2019
4 replies
39 views

Married, have always filed jointly. 3 kids <18, 1 in daycare. My gross is ~$60k.

Looking for clarity on the earned income requirements- or if there’s a minimum of $2500 per earner, or just combined income?

VolvoGirl

Level 15

For the Child Care Credit I don't know if there is a minimum amount. Just have earned income.

Child Care FAQ

https://ttlc.intuit.com/community/credits-and-deductions/help/what-is-the-child-and-dependent-care-credit/00/25907

xmasbaby0

Level 15

If one of the spouses is self-employed and showed a loss, then you cannot get the childcare credit. Both spouses have to show earned income in order to get the child care credit.

**Disclaimer: Every effort has been made to offer the most correct information possible. The poster disclaims any legal responsibility for the accuracy of the information that is contained in this post.**

Anonymous

with only 1 child in daycare, and your adjusted gross income above $43,000 the credit rate is 20% and the maximum credit is $3,000. The maximum credit is determined by multiply the lower of your earned income or hers by 20%, so each of you would need $15,000 in earned income (wages, net schedule c income, se income from partnerships).

there is a further limit to tax liability before this credit.

this assumes your employer is mot providing and dependent care benefits

you should review form 2441 where the credit is computed.

https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/f2441.pdf

Critter

Level 15

Look at the form 2441 line 6 ... enter the lesser of lines 3-4-5 ... so if line 3 is $3000 for one child or $6000 for 2 or more kids then the earned income for each spouse must be at least the amount on line 3.