Why sign in to the Community?

  • Submit a question
  • Check your notifications
Sign in to the Community or Sign in to TurboTax and start working on your taxes
New Member
posted Jan 6, 2025 4:01:59 PM

Why can’t I claim the dependent child care credit? It only asks if my husband and I were students or disabled. It says that you have to have earned income. Which we do!

0 2 5046
2 Best answers
Level 15
Jan 6, 2025 4:07:27 PM

Have you entered your W-2 income or self-employment income yet?  You have to enter your income BEFORE you try to work on this credit.   The childcare credit does not work unless you have already entered income from both parents.   And..if one or both of you is self-employed and shows a loss, you will not get the child care credit.

Level 15
Jan 6, 2025 4:30:41 PM

And make sure each W2 and Schedule C is assigned to the right spouse.   You might have to delete the W2 and re enter it.  That usually fixes it.  

2 Replies
Level 15
Jan 6, 2025 4:07:27 PM

Have you entered your W-2 income or self-employment income yet?  You have to enter your income BEFORE you try to work on this credit.   The childcare credit does not work unless you have already entered income from both parents.   And..if one or both of you is self-employed and shows a loss, you will not get the child care credit.

Level 15
Jan 6, 2025 4:30:41 PM

And make sure each W2 and Schedule C is assigned to the right spouse.   You might have to delete the W2 and re enter it.  That usually fixes it.