I have a dependent care FSA that I use to pay for daycare expenses. My wife does not. Am I required to claim our child as a dependent if I use a DCFSA?
Since you cannot get the child care credit when you file separately the FSA is useless ... all the money you set aside will be added back into your income on the tax return.
Essentially, could I use the DCFSA but have my wife claim our child as a dependent so she could receive the "Child Tax Credit" (not the "Child and Dependent Care Tax Credit")?
Again, since you cannot claim the form 2441 when filing separately then only one of you can choose to claim the child and the related child tax credit ... if you both try to claim the child the IRS will step in to break the tie.
