I’m trying to add the EIN number for my child care provider but it says invalid

Have you entered all of your W-2 or self-employment income?  The childcare credit will not work until you have entered income from working.

First, make sure the EIN of the provider is correct. Usually EIN numbers are 9 digits with a dash between the second and third digits.  Once you have verified that the number is correct, enter it again on the return following the steps below:

 

1. In the return, go to Deductions and credits
2. Select Pick up where you left off 
3. Go to You and Your Family
4. Then select Start/Review next to Child and Other Dependent Tax Credits.
5. Answer the questions in the section
6. When entering the EIN select the Employer Identification Number (EIN) and don't enter any dashes