topic Why can't I select my dependent adult from the drop down menu when asked "whose care did you pay for"? in Retirement tax questions

Why can't I select my dependent adult from the drop down menu when asked "whose care did you pay for"?

brimpainter — Tue, 10 Feb 2026 09:00:08 GMT

Re: Why can't I select my dependent adult from the drop down menu when asked "whose care did you pay for"?

xmasbaby0 — Wed, 31 Jan 2024 14:45:16 GMT

Who is the adult dependent? And....are they disabled? Are you trying to use the child and dependent care credit? Have you entered your W-2 income or your self-employment income yet?

Re: Why can't I select my dependent adult from the drop down menu when asked "whose care did you pay for"?

brimpainter — Wed, 31 Jan 2024 14:49:32 GMT

I've entered my income already. It's my domestic partner. She is not disabled. She is listed as a dependent, but I cannot select her from the drop down.

Re: Why can't I select my dependent adult from the drop down menu when asked "whose care did you pay for"?

Opus 17 — Wed, 31 Jan 2024 15:31:18 GMT

Why would you pay for day care for an adult who is not disabled?

In any case, you can't claim the child and dependent care credit for an adult unless they lived in your home the entire year, they were disabled (unable to perform gainful work due to a permanent condition), and you needed to pay for day care so you could go to work. (Note that because of the focus on the ability to perform work for money, many people with medically recognized disabilities are still not "disabled" for tax purposes. For income tax, disabled means "unable to work for money" due to a permanent condition.)

Re: Why can't I select my dependent adult from the drop down menu when asked "whose care did you pay for"?

xmasbaby0 — Wed, 31 Jan 2024 15:38:58 GMT

@brimpainter You are confused. You cannot get the dependent care credit for a live-in GF who is not disabled. That credit is only used for dependents when you have to pay someone to take care of them while you work. The credit is used by parents who pay babysitters and daycare while they work -- and sometimes----used if you have a disabled adult dependent who requires care while you are at work.

If you are claiming your GF as a dependent --- you get one credit----the $500 credit for other dependents. It is non-refundable. It is used to reduce your tax liability.

CREDIT FOR OTHER DEPENDENTS

https://ttlc.intuit.com/questions/4499708-what-is-the-500-credit-for-other-dependents-family-tax-credit