Does public preschool count as a dependent care expense?

[DaveF1006]

Yes, public preschool tuition can count as a dependent care expense for tax purposes. The IRS thinks nursery school, preschool, and similar pre-kindergarten programs are child care expenses. These expenses may be able to be used to get the Child and Dependent Care Credit. However, the expenses must enable the taxpayer to work, actively look for work, or attend school.

If you want to get this credit, make sure to keep the right paperwork. You need the care provider's name, address, and taxpayer ID number (TIN), as required by the IRS.

IRS Publication 503