Can we itemize child day care expense?

Question

Hi,
We live in the state of California. I would like to know if we can itemize the amount we spend for my child's day care. I have all the reciepts.
Thanks for your answers.

I am asking both federal and state

Answer 1

In order to claim your child daycare expenses, you would need to file Form 2441, Child and Dependent Care Credit. You can report up to $3,000 of day care expenses per child. The maximum tax credit you would receive is $600.

You will need to report the name, address and Federal tax ID# of the facility.

http://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/f2441.pdf

Answer 2

I don't think it matters what state you live in. You are filing on your federal taxes... not your state taxes. The answer is generally, yes... you can claim this expense on your taxes if you itemize. We have our taxes done each year at H&R Block...... they just require that we give them a reciept or summary from our daycare provider along with our providers Social Security Number or Tax I.D. number. However, if you use a flex spending account for child care expenses, you can not claim them on your taxes, since the child care expense is deducted from our pay prior to you being taxed.

Answer 3

I'm not sure if you're asking about your Federal or State return. But if it's federal, you can deduct childcare expense as long as the childcare giver is claiming the same amount as income.