See details for your state

Internal Revenue Service, U.S. Department of the Treasury

Child and Dependent Care Tax Credit

BenefitChildcareRecurringRolling

What it may cover

$2K

Enrollment

Open enrollment

Where available

Check locally

What you get

The Child and Dependent Care Tax Credit (CDCTC) is a federal tax credit for working taxpayers who pay for the care of a child under 13 or a disabled dependent so they can work or look for work. The credit equals 20–35% of qualifying care expenses up to $3,000 for one qualifying person or $6,000 for two or more, with the percentage decreasing as adjusted gross income rises. Qualifying expenses include payments to day care centers, after-school programs, babysitters, and summer day camps.

Help paying for child care, meals, or services so parents and caregivers can work, study, or stabilize care.

Ask whether your provider needs to be approved before benefits can be paid.

Do you qualify?

Check what applies to you. Your answers are saved on this device so you can come back later.

0/5 confirmed

Do you have earned income from work or self-employment during the tax year?
Do you have paid qualifying expenses for the care of a child under age 13 or a disabled spouse or dependent?
Care must enable you to work or actively look for work?
Do you file a federal income tax return?
The care provider cannot be your spouse, the child's parent, or a dependent you claim on your return?

What to bring

If you do not have one of these, apply anyway and ask what substitutes are accepted.

1IRS Form 2441 (Child and Dependent Care Expenses)
2Social Security numbers for each qualifying person and care provider
3Care provider's name, address, and Employer Identification Number (EIN) or SSN
4Records of care expenses paid throughout the year

How to apply

Processing time varies by location and program funding.

1Find the right local officeUse your ZIP code to confirm the child care assistance office that handles Child and Dependent Care Tax Credit.
2Apply online, by phone, or in personUse the official application path and keep a copy of anything you submit.
3Complete the interview or verificationMany benefits require a short call, appointment, or document check.
4Watch for a decisionKeep mail, email, and phone open so you do not miss follow-up requests.

Find local help

Your ZIP helps you confirm the right local office and state-specific rules.

You may also qualify for

Other programs in the same category that often go hand-in-hand.

U.S. Department of Education

CCAMPIS — Child Care Access Means Parents in School

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services

Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF)

U.S. Department of Defense

DoD Child Care Fee Assistance

See details for your state

Internal Revenue Service, U.S. Department of the Treasury

Child and Dependent Care Tax Credit

BenefitChildcareRecurringRolling

What it may cover

$2K

Enrollment

Open enrollment

Where available

Check locally

What you get

Help paying for child care, meals, or services so parents and caregivers can work, study, or stabilize care.

Ask whether your provider needs to be approved before benefits can be paid.

Do you qualify?

Check what applies to you. Your answers are saved on this device so you can come back later.

0/5 confirmed

Do you have earned income from work or self-employment during the tax year?
Do you have paid qualifying expenses for the care of a child under age 13 or a disabled spouse or dependent?
Care must enable you to work or actively look for work?
Do you file a federal income tax return?
The care provider cannot be your spouse, the child's parent, or a dependent you claim on your return?

What to bring

If you do not have one of these, apply anyway and ask what substitutes are accepted.

1IRS Form 2441 (Child and Dependent Care Expenses)
2Social Security numbers for each qualifying person and care provider
3Care provider's name, address, and Employer Identification Number (EIN) or SSN
4Records of care expenses paid throughout the year

How to apply

Processing time varies by location and program funding.

1Find the right local officeUse your ZIP code to confirm the child care assistance office that handles Child and Dependent Care Tax Credit.
2Apply online, by phone, or in personUse the official application path and keep a copy of anything you submit.
3Complete the interview or verificationMany benefits require a short call, appointment, or document check.
4Watch for a decisionKeep mail, email, and phone open so you do not miss follow-up requests.

Find local help

Your ZIP helps you confirm the right local office and state-specific rules.

You may also qualify for

Other programs in the same category that often go hand-in-hand.

U.S. Department of Education

CCAMPIS — Child Care Access Means Parents in School

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services

Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF)

U.S. Department of Defense

DoD Child Care Fee Assistance