What is the minimum my spouse needs to earn at a part-time job so we can qualify for as many child/care tax credits?

[Schmoop]

Married, have always filed jointly. 3 kids <18, 1 in daycare. My gross is ~$60k. 

Looking for clarity on the earned income requirements- or if there’s a minimum of $2500 per earner, or just combined income?

[VolvoGirl]

For the Child Care Credit I don't know if there is a minimum amount.  Just have earned income.

Child Care FAQ

https://ttlc.intuit.com/community/credits-and-deductions/help/what-is-the-child-and-dependent-care-c...

[xmasbaby0]

If one of the spouses is self-employed and showed a loss, then you cannot get the childcare credit.  Both spouses have to show earned income in order to get the child care credit.

[Anonymous]

with only 1 child in daycare,  and your adjusted gross income above $43,000 the credit rate is 20% and the maximum credit is $3,000. The maximum credit is determined by multiply the lower of your earned income or hers by 20%, so each of you would need $15,000 in earned income (wages, net schedule c income,  se income from partnerships).

there is a further limit to tax liability before this credit.

this assumes your employer is mot providing and dependent care benefits

you should review form 2441 where the credit is computed. 

https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/f2441.pdf

[Critter]

Look at the form 2441 line 6  ...  enter the  lesser of lines 3-4-5 ... so if line 3 is $3000 for one child or $6000 for 2 or more kids then the earned income for each spouse must be at least the amount on line 3.