If I am working and my spouse has been looking for work, how come we cannot claim the child care credit?

[anya_s]

I was under the impression that this credit can still be claimed if either working or looking for work, but Turbotax does not allow for this option.

[Anita01]

In reality, you do both have to have earned income.  That means that the job search has to be successful and produce some earned income in the year you're trying to claim child care.  I know it's tough when it doesn't work out that way.  It also would not help you to consider filing married separate, because the credit is not allowed at all for that filing status

[DDollar]

To claim the credit, you (and your spouse if filing jointly) must have earned income during the year. That means both of you must have earned income.  Actively looking for work qualifies, but only if you have earned income. See  https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/p503.pdf for more information.