My daughter starts day care for the 1st time next year. If I prepay for it this year. Can I deduct that on my 2017 taxes even though she is not in child care yet?

wilcamleg · ‎June 6, 2019

SweetieJean · ‎June 6, 2019

NO

Expenses prepaid in an earlier year.

If you pay for services before they are provided, you can count the prepaid expenses only in the year the care is received.

https://www.irs.gov/publications/p503#en_US_2016_publink1000203337

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SweetieJean · ‎June 6, 2019

When does she start?

SweetieJean · ‎June 6, 2019

NO

Expenses prepaid in an earlier year.

If you pay for services before they are provided, you can count the prepaid expenses only in the year the care is received.

https://www.irs.gov/publications/p503#en_US_2016_publink1000203337

wilcamleg · ‎June 6, 2019

Thanks!

macuser_22 · ‎June 6, 2019

And it is only deductible if it is required so that you and your spouse (if married) can work. Child care deduction is work related.

**Disclaimer: This post is for discussion purposes only and is NOT tax advice. The author takes no responsibility for the accuracy of any information in this post.**

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My daughter starts day care for the 1st time next year. If I prepay for it this year. Can I deduct that on my 2017 taxes even though she is not in child care yet?