Can I claim the child care dependent break if my spouse was deployed with the military?

[CarolynM · Accepted solution]

Yes, the child tax credit is for parents who need childcare while they work. Here is the test:

• You (and your spouse, if you are married filing jointly) must have earned income for the tax year.
• You must be the custodial parent or main caretaker of the child or dependent.
• The child or dependent care service must have been used so that you could work or look for employment.
• Your filing status must be single, head of household, qualifying widow or widower with a qualifying child, or married filing jointly.
• Your child or dependent must be under 13 or must be disabled and physically or mentally incapable of caring for herself.
• The childcare provider cannot be your spouse or dependent or the child's parent