Why am I not eligible for Dependent Care credit? My wife and I both earned money, but my wife earned less than $6000. TurboTax says we're not eligible.

Forum|Forum|1 year ago
February 8, 2025
2 replies
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We both have income under our names. TurboTax asks if we were full time students or disabled. This isn't the case, so we're ineligible. I thought any expenses for child care while both parents worked was deductible.

VolvoGirl

Employee

Have you entered all your income? You both need earned income. Make sure each W2 is assigned to the right spouse. If you have self employment income you need to have a profit to qualify.

See the Child Care Credit for qualifications

https://ttlc.intuit.com/questions/1900643-what-is-the-child-and-dependent-care-credit

robert2929Author

My W2 is entered, and her 1099-NEC is entered. She earned a profit for the year.

xmasbaby0

Employee

Th childcare credit is available on a joint return if both parents worked and earned income. You have to enter your income before you try to work on this credit. But if one or both of you had self employment income that showed a loss, you cannot get the credit. And....your spouse earned a small income.

Try this IRS interactive tool to see what it says.

https://www.irs.gov/help/ita/am-i-eligible-to-claim-the-child-and-dependent-care-credit

**Disclaimer: Every effort has been made to offer the most correct information possible. The poster disclaims any legal responsibility for the accuracy of the information that is contained in this post.**