child and dependent tax credit

[Mcphamily]

My husband was unable to care for himself in 2022, and passed away in November.  As far as I can tell, the amounts I paid for his care should qualify for the child and dependent care credit, but Turbo Tax is not letting me.  Am I missing something?

[Anonymous_]

@Critter-3 

[xmasbaby0]

So sorry for the loss of your spouse.   Were you paying someone to take care your spouse while you worked?   If so, then you could use the dependent care credit-----or perhaps enter the care costs as a medical expense if you are itemizing medical expenses.

https://ttlc.intuit.com/questions/1900643-what-is-the-child-and-dependent-care-credit

https://ttlc.intuit.com/turbotax-support/en-us/help-article/taxation/qualifying-person-child-depende...

[xmasbaby0]

And....just in case you need this information:

  For the year that your spouse died, you can still file a joint return.  That way, you will get the married filing jointly standard deduction of $25,900 (+ $1400 for each spouse 65 or older) which will lower the amount of income you are taxed on.

In My Info, you will need to indicate that your spouse died. When his name is in My Info,  there is a screen early in the interview that asks "Do any of these apply to [name] ?’” where you will do that, and then a drop down will appear where you can enter the date he passed.

If you have qualifying dependent children you will be able to file as a qualifying surviving spouse  (QSS) for the next two years after this tax return.  Post back if you need further help.

https://blog.turbotax.intuit.com/tax-planning-2/tax-implications-for-taxpayers-who-have-lost-a-spous...

[NCperson]

@Mcphamily sorry for your loss.

the other thing to review is your income level. 

The credit is limited by your tax liability.  In otherwords, the credit can reduce line 22 (prior to the credit), but to no lower than zero. 

Also, please read closely how others responded.  The credit is meant to help with care while you are working.  if you were not working , then you are not eligible for the credit.