Does anyone know why the dependent care expense credit is set to 0 even when proper info is entered to receive the credit? Was it removed this year?

earlishalb — Mon, 23 Feb 2026 10:33:52 GMT

I've entered all expenses for the baby sitter section but I didn't receive the credit, does anyone know why?

Re: Does anyone know why the dependent care expense credit is set to 0 even when proper info is entered to receive the credit? Was it removed this year?

xmasbaby0 — Sat, 21 Jan 2023 19:28:34 GMT

CHILD AND DEPENDENT CARE CREDIT

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.

One of the most common mistakes that messes up the childcare credit for people is listing all of the earned income under only one name on a joint return. Make very sure that your incomes are listed under each of your names. It’s pretty easy to check. Go to the Income section, and click “update” on Wages and Salary. That will take you to the W-2 Summary. Do you see income listed under both of your names?

The person receiving the care had to be 12 or under or qualified as mentally or physically disabled. To claim the childcare credit you need to be filing as Head of Household or Married Filing Jointly. (NOT married filing separately)

If your child was born in 2022 make sure you say the child lived with you all year. The credit is a percentage of your expenses based on your AGI (the higher the income, the lower the percentage) You must provide the Social Security number for each child you are claiming, and the Social Security number or Tax ID for each care provider.

In the case of divorced or never-married parents—only the custodial parent can use the childcare credit.

And remember that the childcare credit is a NON-refundable credit. It can reduce your tax owed down to zero, but it is not added to your refund.

https://ttlc.intuit.com/questions/1900643-what-is-the-child-and-dependent-care-credit

Re: Does anyone know why the dependent care expense credit is set to 0 even when proper info is entered to receive the credit? Was it removed this year?

DoninGA — Sat, 21 Jan 2023 19:29:02 GMT

See this TurboTax support FAQ for the child and dependent care credit - https://ttlc.intuit.com/turbotax-support/en-us/help-article/taxation/child-dependent-care-credit/L8h8A5Klg_US_en_US?uid=ld6cdzdz

See this TurboTax support FAQ for a qualifying person for the credit - https://ttlc.intuit.com/turbotax-support/en-us/help-article/taxation/qualifying-person-child-dependent-care-credit/L4BGIsMGO_US_en_US?uid=ld6cegtl

topic Re: Does anyone know why the dependent care expense credit is set to 0 even when proper info is entered to receive the credit? Was it removed this year? in Deductions & credits

Does anyone know why the dependent care expense credit is set to 0 even when proper info is entered to receive the credit? Was it removed this year?

Re: Does anyone know why the dependent care expense credit is set to 0 even when proper info is entered to receive the credit? Was it removed this year?

Re: Does anyone know why the dependent care expense credit is set to 0 even when proper info is entered to receive the credit? Was it removed this year?