topic Why can't I enter child and dependent care credit? in Deductions & credits

Why can't I enter child and dependent care credit?

zuelich0825 — Mon, 09 Mar 2026 05:19:30 GMT

My spouse

Re: Why can't I enter child and dependent care credit?

xmasbaby0 — Tue, 22 Feb 2022 01:10:19 GMT

If you paid someone to take care of your child so you could work then you have to show income from working by entering your W-2's or be entering self-employment income that shows a net profit. If your self-employment income shows a loss you cannot get the childcare credit.

Re: Why can't I enter child and dependent care credit?

DoninGA — Tue, 22 Feb 2022 01:10:58 GMT

For the Child and Dependent Care Credit both spouses must have earned income if you are filing as Married Filing Jointly.

If you are filing as Married Filing Separately then you may not be eligible for the credit.

See this TurboTax support FAQ for filing jointly versus separately - https://ttlc.intuit.com/community/married/help/is-it-better-for-a-married-couple-to-file-jointly-or-separately/00/25590