I am the noncustodial parent, not claiming our two kids as dependents this year, but I have paid 2/3 of daycare expenses. How can I claim this amount?

[cmcevoy314]

It is just over $10,000 in daycare costs that I have spent.

[xmasbaby0 · Accepted solution]

Sorry but only the custodial parent can claim the childcare credit.

[cmcevoy314]

Can my ex wife claim all of the daycare expenses then even though she only paid 1/3 during 2017?

[JulieH1]

 No.

Only the person that paid the childcare can deduct it.

The child doesn't have to be your dependent,  but the child must live with you. Only the custodial parent can claim the child care credit. And to claim the credit, the person claiming the expense must have paid it.  To be your qualifying child for this credit, a child must live with you for more than half the year and meet other requirements.

Please see this link: https://www.irs.gov/publications/p503/ar02.html#en_US_2015_publink1000203265