topic I am trying to apply the 'Child and Dependent Care Expenses Credit' for the state of California, but it says I "have no earned income" but I do have earned income! in State tax filing

I am trying to apply the 'Child and Dependent Care Expenses Credit' for the state of California, but it says I "have no earned income" but I do have earned income!

Oxf911 — Mon, 09 Mar 2026 06:14:50 GMT

I have earned income reported, well above $0, but below the maximum cap to qualify for this credit. It almost seems like TurboTax isn't recognizing my earned income for CA

Re: I am trying to apply the 'Child and Dependent Care Expenses Credit' for the state of Californ...

DaveF1006 — Fri, 11 Feb 2022 03:44:44 GMT

To clarify, what type of earned income do you have?

Re: I am trying to apply the 'Child and Dependent Care Expenses Credit' for the state of Californ...

Oxf911 — Fri, 11 Feb 2022 04:30:57 GMT

Hello, thank you for replying. My earned income is from my non-government job, where I receive a W-2 here in California. A typical 9-5, earning less than the maximum for this credit. I understand this credit can be earned if you meet all conditions, and it seems I do, unless my earned income doesn’t apply?

Re: I am trying to apply the 'Child and Dependent Care Expenses Credit' for the state of Californ...

ThomasM125 — Fri, 11 Feb 2022 04:50:39 GMT

Although your salary income qualifies as earned income, you have to have taxable earned income. That implies that you must have a tax to apply the credit to. So, it is possible you are not receiving a credit because your income is so low that you don't have any tax to apply the credit against.

You can look at your tax summary for California to see if you have a tax liability.

You can view your state tax summary while working in the online version of TurboTax by following these steps:

While working on your return in the State section of TurboTax:

1. Choose the Tax Tools icon on your left menu bar

2. Tools

3. View Tax Summary