I fill in "other" dependent in My Info and she qualifies. I go to Federal > Ded. & Credits > Care Credit. Shows $0 and her name not selectable when I edit. Why no credit?

[ariteverett]

I am filing my friend as a dependent. I fill in "other" dependent info, SSN, and meet all requirements and it then says "congrats, she qualifies." Then, I go to Federal > Deductions and Credits > Child and Dependent Care Credit. It displays a $0. I click Edit/Add next to $0 and it ask if I had a dependent. I click yes, and it says select who was your dependent. My friend's name is not listed, and a link appears "why is *friend's name* not qualified?" It lists some reasons, but we are qualified for all reasons. Why can't I claim her as my dependent? And why can't I get a credit for her?

[AnthonyC · Accepted solution]

Claiming someone as a dependent is different than claiming someone for the Child and Dependent Care Credit.

Its possible to claim someone that lives with you, such as a parent or friend, as a dependent if they meet certain rules laid out under the qualifying relative rules for dependency.  For a further discussion of the dependency rules, you can see more information at these links Rules for Claiming a Dependent on Your Tax Return and IRS Publication 501 (starts at page 11).  But, it appears you entered the information in TurboTax and she does qualify as your dependent.  So, you would get the tax benefit of claiming her personal exemption on your return.

However, the Child and Dependent Care Credit is something entirely different.  It is basically a credit for working parents to recoup some of their expenses of providing care for their young children (under age 13) so they can work or look for work (i.e after school care).  I have included some information about this credit below -

https://ttlc.intuit.com/replies/3301418

https://ttlc.intuit.com/replies/4483662