Can I claim my child's lunches as dependent care expenses? My child attends a charter school and they do not have a cafeteria so we are required to provide food everyday.

realblonde10903 · ‎April 11, 2023

xmasbaby0 · ‎April 11, 2023

No. The child and dependent care credit is a credit you can use if you paid someone to take care of your child so you could work. Your child is attending school because he is required to attend school, and you as a parent provide his lunch. You cannot deduct his lunches.

**Disclaimer: Every effort has been made to offer the most correct information possible. The poster disclaims any legal responsibility for the accuracy of the information that is contained in this post.**

DianeW777 · ‎April 11, 2023

No, you can only count the money paid for your child's care while at the day care. Food is not a child care expense.

IRS Publication 503

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Can I claim my child's lunches as dependent care expenses? My child attends a charter school and they do not have a cafeteria so we are required to provide food everyday.