topic Why don't I qualify for child care expenses deduction in Deductions & credits

Why don't I qualify for child care expenses deduction

jennbrockway26 — Mon, 23 Feb 2026 10:41:53 GMT

Re: Why don't I qualify for child care expenses deduction

DoninGA — Thu, 19 Jan 2023 17:20:58 GMT

Have you entered any income?

Re: Why don't I qualify for child care expenses deduction

VolvoGirl — Thu, 19 Jan 2023 17:24:05 GMT

Are you married? You both have to have earned income. You can't get it if you file separately unless you qualify for Head of Household. Have you entered all your income? If you are married check if the income is entered under the right spouse's name.

You can only claim child care expenses for a child under 13. If they turn 13 during the year then Turbo Tax will stop and ask you for the expenses during the time he was UNDER 13. So check the birthdate.

You can't get Child Care Credit for paying someone who is a dependent on your return. And you need to enter the provider name and ssn or ein.

Re: Why don't I qualify for child care expenses deduction

xmasbaby0 — Thu, 19 Jan 2023 17:26:08 GMT

You will not get the childcare credit until (unless) you enter income earned from working. The credit does not work unless you enter your income first. If you are filing a joint return you must show income for both spouses, or show that one or both of you was a student or disabled. If you have self-employment income and show a loss you will not get the childcare credit. You will not get the credit if you are filing married filing separately.

If you have entered all of your income and you have entered your dependent(s) then work on the childcare credit by entering the Tax ID or Social Security number of your childcare provider and enter the amount you paid for the childcare.