turbotax icon
cancel
Showing results for 
Search instead for 
Did you mean: 
Announcements
Close icon
Do you have a TurboTax Online account?

We'll help you get started or pick up where you left off.

why can't provider paid amount on form 2441 be zero if I used dependent care FSA to pay for all child care expenses?

I used my dependent care FSA to pay for all child care expenses. As a result, on form 2441, turbo tax has zero for amount paid to the provider because it deducts the FSA amount used from the actual expenses. However, in the review stage, turbotax flags this as an issue, saying that the provider amount paid should be greater than zero. But I think I do have to file form 2441 if I used dependent care expenses to pay for child care. How can I fix this?
x
Do you have an Intuit account?

Do you have an Intuit account?

You'll need to sign in or create an account to connect with an expert.

1 Reply
NicolleR1
Expert Alumni

why can't provider paid amount on form 2441 be zero if I used dependent care FSA to pay for all child care expenses?

Since a Dependent Care FSA account is a pre-tax account to help pay for dependent care expenses, you are already getting a tax benefit. When it comes to preparing your taxes Double-dipping is not allowed, meaning you cannot take advantage of both getting a tax benefit on the FSA account and also claiming the Child Care Dependent Credit. 

 

You can still claim the Child Care Dependent Credit, if you used out-of-pocket money in excess of the FSA funds. For example, the maximum allowed to claim for expenses for one child is $3,000, or $6,000 for 2, if the total expenses were 3,000 and you used 2,000 from your FSA, and the remaining was out-of pocket, then you could only use 1,000 to qualify for the credit. 

 

Therefore, if you paid in full using FSA funds you will not be eligible to claim the Child Care Dependent Credit. If this is your case, you can remove the credit altogether from your return. Below are some helpful links 

 

The Ins and Outs of the Child and Dependent Care Credit

 

To Delete a Tax Form 

 

You can manually review a section or delete a specific form/worksheet in 2 different ways. To manually review a section, you will manually go there and click the trash icon next to the section you want to remove (in this case, FORM 2441).

It is not recommended to delete a form or worksheet directly. Instead, we recommend to go over each specific section of the return from the beginning, double check your entries and answers, and remove any necessary information. If everything is correct and it still populating that form or worksheet, follow the instructions using the links below to delete that specific form

 

How to Delete a Form on TurboTax Online

 

How to Delete a Form on TurboTax Desktop


 

message box icon

Get more help

Ask questions and learn more about your taxes and finances.

Post your Question