You must file a Form 2441. The form is not just used to claim expenses.
This is per the IRS. The difference between box 10 of her W2 and the actual child care expenses she paid will be added to wages on Line 1 of 1040 with DCB and the amount to the left. The difference between box 10 of her W2 and the actual child care expenses you paid will be added to wages on Line 1 of 1040 with DCB and the amount to the left.
Question
Should I include the amount in box 10, Dependent Care Benefits, of my Form W-2 when calculating my income?
Answer
Box 10 of your W-2 shows the total amount of dependent care benefits that your employer paid to you or incurred on your behalf. Amounts over $10,500 ($5,250 in the case of a separate return filed by a married individual) are also included in box 1.
You must complete Part III of Form 2441, Child and Dependent Care Expenses to figure the amount, if any, that you can exclude from your income.
DCB
