If my child goes to private school for preschool does that count at child care and their uniforms?

[xmasbaby0]

Is your child attending preK so that you can work?

[maborrego4]

yes

[IreneS]

Yes, as long as you meet the other criteria for the child and dependent care credit.  According to IRS  Pub. 503:

Expenses for a child in nursery school, preschool, or similar programs for children below the level of kindergarten are expenses for care. Expenses to attend kindergarten or a higher grade are not expenses for care. Do not use these expenses to figure your credit. However, expenses for before- or after-school care of a child in kindergarten or a higher grade may be expenses for care. Summer school and tutoring programs are not for care.

Uniforms are not included as child care expenses.  Enter the information in TurboTax and the program will calculate the credit that you are eligible for.

[maborrego4]

thank you

[maborrego4]

What about child care for my daughter? I pay a girlfriend of mine to watch her so I can work.,

[IreneS]

Yes.  As long as she is your dependent and under age 13.  The maximum qualifying expenses for the credit are $3,000 for one qualifying child and $6,000 for two or more children.

[maborrego4]

But she doesn't claim what I pay her nor do I have her SSN? will that be an issue?

[IreneS]

If you don't enter information about the provider, you will not be able to claim the credit on your return and still e-file.

You can mail in your return and attach a statement explaining that the provider did not give you the information you requested.  The IRS may or may not allow the credit.  For more information, see the instructions for Form 2441:  <a rel="nofollow" target="_blank" href="https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/i2441.pdf">https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/i2441.pdf</a>