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February 2, 2021
Question

Does childcare delivered through an online format count for child care expenses during the pandemic (if the childcare was during my work hours)?

  • February 2, 2021
  • 1 reply
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Examples: distance learning preschool, online summer camp, after school programs/care

1 reply

LenaH
February 2, 2021

It depends. You must meet several criteria to qualify for the child and dependent care credit.

 

To qualify, you must meet all of the following:

  • You (and your spouse, if you are married filing jointly) must have earned income for the tax year.
  • You must be the custodial parent or main caretaker of the child or dependent.
  • The child or dependent care service must have been used so that you could work or look for employment. 
  • Your filing status must be single, head of household, qualifying widow or widower with a qualifying child, or married filing jointly.
  • Your child or dependent must be under 13 or must be disabled and physically or mentally incapable of caring for themselves.
  • The childcare provider cannot be your spouse or dependent or the child's parent.

Keep in mind that expenses related to schooling, tutoring, or overnight camps are not qualifying expenses.

 

Qualifying expenses also include:

  • Childcare provided by a babysitter or licensed dependent care center.
  • The cost of a cook, housekeeper, maid or cleaning person who provides care for the child or dependent.
  • Day camp or summer camp fees, even for camps centered around a sport or activity, qualify if the camp was selected to provide care while the parent or parents were at work. However, overnight camps do not qualify.
  • Costs related to before- and after-school care for children under 13.
  • Costs related to a nurse, home care provider, or other care provider for a disabled dependent.

 

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