I added my son (not a dependent this year) in my profile. How do I report childcare expenses for him? There are no names under the "Choose a name" dropdown.

[shood14]

I was separated in 2024 and am claiming one of my two children as a dependent. However, I incurred (unequal) childcare expenses for both children that I would like to report for the child or dependent care credit. I was able to report the expenses for the child I am claiming as a dependent. I cannot report the expenses for my other (non-dependent) child. I get to the page that asks "Whose care did you pay for?" and try to select my son from the "Choose a name..." dropdown but there are no names to select. I have already clicked "Add Another Person" and my son appears in my profile as 'not a dependent this year.'

[xmasbaby0]

Only the custodial parent can use the childcare credit.   If you are not the custodial parent, you will not be able to use the credit---even if you paid for the childcare.   The parent who needed childcare so they could actually go to work is the one who can use the credit.

Are you the custodial parent?  Do you have an agreement with the other parent to allow the other parent to claim them--due to divorce or that you live apart and share custody?  Did one of you sign a Form 8332?

If there is a signed 8332 then the custodial parent retains the right to file as Head of Household, get earned income credit and the childcare credit.  The non-custodial parent gets the child tax credit for children under the age of 17.  If the child is 17 or older the non-custodial parent gets the $500 credit for other dependents.

If you and the other parent have a signed agreement, you need to indicate in MY INFO that you have such an agreement.

As far as the IRS is concerned, the custodial parent is the one with whom the child spent the most nights during the tax year--at least 183 nights.