Why are my dependents not listed to select under the dependent care credit?

Sometimes users try to work on the childcare credit before they have entered their income from working.  Have you entered all of your W-2's and/or self-employment income?

Are your dependents under the age of 12?   See Qualifying Person below.   And do you have earned income entered yet (for you and your spouse if filing jointly)?  To qualify for this credit, you must meet all of these criteria:

• You (and your spouse, if filing jointly) must have earned income.
  • The earned income requirement for one spouse is waived if they were a full-time student or disabled (if they lived with the other spouse for more than 6 months in 2024).
• You paid caregiving expenses so that you (and your spouse, if filing jointly) could work or look for work.
  • The work/look-for work requirement for one spouse is waived if they were a full-time student or disabled (if they lived with the other spouse for more than 6 months in 2024).
• You paid a caregiver to care for a Qualifying Person.
• Your filing status is not Married Filing Separately (except under certain circumstances).
• You can provide the care provider's name, address, and their SSN, ITIN, or EIN on your return (unless it's a tax-exempt organization).

What is the Dependent Care Credit?