If you have 1 qualifying child, you have gotten the most benefit that is possible with a $5000 pre-tax FSA. Keep in mind that having an FSA for $5000 is usually better than having a credit based on $3000 in expenses. That $5000 in deferred income never touches your tax return.
The reason you have to enter your expenses into your return is because you need to verify with the IRS that your FSA account was used for actual qualifying expenses. Entering more than the FSA isn't going to do anything for you.
The Dependent Care Credit is limited to $3000 in expenses per child. If you have an FSA, your limit is actually raised to $5000 for one or more children. You could only get an extra credit on your tax return if your FSA was under $3000. If you had 2 children, and your FSA was $5000, you can get a credit for that extra $1000.
But, under no circumstances can you max out an FSA and get a credit on your return for one child. That is simply the law.
Per @ChristinaS
**Say "Thanks" by clicking the thumb icon in a post
**Mark the post that answers your question by clicking on "Mark as Best Answer"
