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January 7, 2025
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Why can’t I claim the dependent child care credit? It only asks if my husband and I were students or disabled. It says that you have to have earned income. Which we do!

  • January 7, 2025
  • 2 replies
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    Best answer by xmasbaby0

    Have you entered your W-2 income or self-employment income yet?  You have to enter your income BEFORE you try to work on this credit.   The childcare credit does not work unless you have already entered income from both parents.   And..if one or both of you is self-employed and shows a loss, you will not get the child care credit.

    2 replies

    xmasbaby0Answer
    Employee
    January 7, 2025

    Have you entered your W-2 income or self-employment income yet?  You have to enter your income BEFORE you try to work on this credit.   The childcare credit does not work unless you have already entered income from both parents.   And..if one or both of you is self-employed and shows a loss, you will not get the child 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.**
    VolvoGirl
    Employee
    January 7, 2025

    And make sure each W2 and Schedule C is assigned to the right spouse.   You might have to delete the W2 and re enter it.  That usually fixes it.