@BillM223
> However, I am still puzzled about your statement that when you changed the $10,500 on line 21 to $5,000, that it helped your refund.
Looks like an issue with the worksheet. If I did not miscalculate anything, line 3 is $11,000 instead of $9,575 (because line 21 is $5000 and line 22 is $6425, so line 24 / "excluded benefits" is $5000 instead of $6425). This increases the final amount in line 9a / 11 by about $700 for me.
Obviously I am not going to claim this additional amount. Also, there is probably a higher chance of getting audited for that than just specifying $10,500 as the limit. And as you mentioned, am I supposed to prove the employer increased the limit if I get audited?
> Does your return show that you got a Dependent Care credit in 2021?
Yes, I am getting a credit for the expenses.
