Yes, they do count towards dependent care expenses. However, there are some criteria's which you need to meet to qualify for this credit.
To qualify for the child and dependent care credit:
- You must have paid someone for daycare expenses.
- The child has to be 12 or younger at the end of the year whom you claim as a dependent on your tax return.
- You can take a deduction for any other person claimed as a dependent on our return if that person can't take care of themselves and have lived in your home for at least half the year.
However, to claim the day care expense, that money should not have been paid to your spouse, anyone listed as dependent on your tax return and your own child age 18 or younger
There are some additional requirements:
- You and your spouse if you are married must have earned income. Non work income such as investment income doesn't count
- You must have paid for the care so that you could work or look for work.
- If married, you must file a joint tax return.
- You must provide the name, address, the taxpayer ID Number or SSN of the person who provided the care.
