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New Member
posted Jun 4, 2019 7:17:05 PM

Can I deduct child care taken from my paycheck?

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1 Best answer
Level 7
Jun 4, 2019 7:17:06 PM

If the child care was deducted from your gross pay such that it is not included in your Box 1 of Form W-2 in the first place, then you can get no further tax benefit from it.

If it is not a pre-tax deduction as above, then, No, child care is not deductible.  However, you may qualify for the Child and Dependent Care Credit if you need the child care so you (and your spouse, if married) can work or go to school.  The CDCC is a percentage of your qualifying child care expenses based on your adjusted gross income.  TT has a separate interview section for the CDCC that you should complete after you have entered all your income items and personal information, including dependent info.  The CDCC reduces your tax liability but cannot reduce it below zero.

6 Replies
Level 7
Jun 4, 2019 7:17:06 PM

If the child care was deducted from your gross pay such that it is not included in your Box 1 of Form W-2 in the first place, then you can get no further tax benefit from it.

If it is not a pre-tax deduction as above, then, No, child care is not deductible.  However, you may qualify for the Child and Dependent Care Credit if you need the child care so you (and your spouse, if married) can work or go to school.  The CDCC is a percentage of your qualifying child care expenses based on your adjusted gross income.  TT has a separate interview section for the CDCC that you should complete after you have entered all your income items and personal information, including dependent info.  The CDCC reduces your tax liability but cannot reduce it below zero.

New Member
Jun 4, 2019 7:17:08 PM

Great thanks!

New Member
Jun 4, 2019 7:17:11 PM

Yes you can deduct child care. You will need the EIN number from the child care provider and total amount paid to the child care provider. Turbo Tax will ask for this info when you get to that section.

New Member
Jun 4, 2019 7:17:12 PM

I think the money was deducted so we never paid tax on it in the first place....does it matter?

New Member
Jun 4, 2019 7:17:14 PM

You will need to find out that info from your companies payroll or HR department.

New Member
Jun 4, 2019 7:17:15 PM

Thank you!