topic I can set pretax money aside through my employer for child care expenses, subject to the terms of IRS Pub 503. Does a non-working spouse disqualify preschool expenses? in Deductions & credits

I can set pretax money aside through my employer for child care expenses, subject to the terms of IRS Pub 503. Does a non-working spouse disqualify preschool expenses?

jared123 — Tue, 24 Feb 2026 07:41:09 GMT

My spouse is not working and is not expected to work within the next year. But we pay for preschool.

Re: I can set pretax money aside through my employer for child care expenses, subject to the terms of IRS Pub 503. Does a non-working spouse disqualify preschool expenses?

Bsch4477 — Tue, 17 Oct 2023 22:52:16 GMT

Both spouses generally need to be working for the employee to have daycare expenses that are eligible for dependent care FSA reimbursement. Exceptions apply if the spouse is looking for work, a full-time student, or incapable of self-care.

Re: I can set pretax money aside through my employer for child care expenses, subject to the terms of IRS Pub 503. Does a non-working spouse disqualify preschool expenses?

NCperson — Tue, 17 Oct 2023 23:11:05 GMT

@jared123 a non-working spouse does disqualify you. the whole idea of the tax credit is so working parents can get help with expenses to watch the child while both are at work. There is no need for that support if one parent is 'stay at home' is the way Congress thinks about it.

is your spouse seeking work (and the spouse must find work by year's end), or in college, etc?

Re: I can set pretax money aside through my employer for child care expenses, subject to the terms of IRS Pub 503. Does a non-working spouse disqualify preschool expenses?

jared123 — Wed, 18 Oct 2023 02:22:01 GMT

Thank you both

Re: I can set pretax money aside through my employer for child care expenses, subject to the terms of IRS Pub 503. Does a non-working spouse disqualify preschool expenses?

xmasbaby0 — Wed, 18 Oct 2023 02:33:49 GMT

You cannot get the child and dependent care credit on your federal tax return unless both spouses show income earned from working. If your spouse does not work, then you might get the credit if the spouse is either disabled or a full-time student. If the spouse is not disabled, not a student, and is just a stay-at-home parent, sorry, no childcare credit.