Can we claim Dependent Care expense for joint returns but only one person works? Comments welcome.
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- posted
19 years ago
Dependent Care Expense
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- posted
19 years ago
No, with some exceptions. See the instructions for Form
2441.-- Phil Marti Clarksburg, MD
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19 years ago
"mank" wrote
Unless the other parent is a full time student, or unable to care for the child (because they need care themselves), you can't claim the child care credit.
-- Paul A. Thomas, CPA Athens, Georgia
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19 years ago
If the non-working spouse is simply not working, no.
-- David M. Woods, EA, ChFC, CLU Woods Financial Services Norwood, MA 02062
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19 years ago
Unless your spouse is a full time student or incapable of caring for herself she would have to have earned income for you to qualify for the credit. The credit is for dependent care expense you incur in order for both of you to work. There is a worksheet on page 3 of IRS Pub 503 that steps you through your eligibility. The chart is called "Can You Claim The Credit?"
-- Alan
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19 years ago
Short answer: Only if the non-working spouse was a full-time student for some portion of the year or disabled. Dennis