I am not claiming my wife as a dependent but I am claiming my son. He is 9 months old and we both take care of him, I work, she stays at home with him, but why and how do I change the cost

[blakkboii]

How do I change the Cost of care prodiver

[MayaD · Accepted solution]

If you are legally married your filing options are Married Filing Jointly or Married Filing Separately.If  you file a separate return you won't be able to claim the Child and Dependent Care Expenses. You also can't claim the expenses if you file joint return and you wife is not working.

You must meet all the requirements to receive the Child and Dependent Care credit .

To change/delete the cost of provider:

1. Log in to your account.
2. Go to Federal Taxes.
3. Go to Deductions and Credit.
4. Scroll down to Child and Dependent Care Credit and click Edit.

[VolvoGirl]

Do you pay for outside help to take care of him?   The Child Care Credit is if you pay for child care so you can both work.  If she stays home to take care of him you do not qualify for the credit.

You should file a Joint return even if one spouse does not work.  You can never claim a spouse as a dependent.  On a Joint return you get a higher Standard Deduction and the lowest tax rates.  And if you file separate there are several credits you can't get.