The preface of your question indicates that you may be caught in a loop. When you return to the Deductions & Credits section, rather than selecting the category Child and Dependent Care Credit, select the Visit All category at the top of that section and move through the application from that point.
Additionally, let's make sure you qualify to claim the dependent care credit. The requirements are that the dependent must be:
- A child aged 12 or younger at the end of the year whom you claim as a dependent on your tax return.
- Your spouse, if that person is unable to take care of himself or herself and has lived in your home for at least half the year.
- Any other person claimed as a dependent on your return if that person can't take care of himself or herself and has lived in your home at least half the year.
Additionally, because you are married, you and your spouse must have earned income such as wages earned from a job. Investment income, such as dividends and capital gains would not count as earned income. It does appear that you and your spouse have earned income as your spouse has a 1099-NEC, and we assume you entered the 1099-NEC as self-employment income. However, if the 1099-NEC and the 1099-Misc were entered as "other income," that is income not from a job or self-employment, then the requirement that the both of you have earned income may not have been met. Thus, double-check how you entered the 1099-Misc and 1099-NEC income amounts. You must also have paid for the care so that you and your spouse could work or look for work, and you must also file a joint return.
@slingkong
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