Quick Answer
Yes, you can claim daycare and preschool costs through the Child and Dependent Care Credit, worth up to $1,050 for one child or $2,100 for two or more children in 2026. The credit covers 20-35% of qualifying expenses up to $3,000 per child ($6,000 total maximum).
Best Answer
Diana Flores, Tax Credits & Amendments Specialist
Best for parents who both work or are looking for work and pay for regular childcare
How the Child and Dependent Care Credit works
The Child and Dependent Care Credit lets you claim 20-35% of qualifying childcare expenses, with the percentage based on your income. For 2026, you can claim expenses up to $3,000 for one child or $6,000 for two or more children under age 13.
The credit percentage ranges from 35% (for income under $15,000) down to 20% (for income over $43,000). Most families qualify for the 20% rate, meaning up to $600 credit for one child or $1,200 for multiple children.
Example: Family with two children in daycare
Let's say you and your spouse both work full-time and pay $15,000 annually for daycare for your 3-year-old and 5-year-old:
This $1,200 credit reduces your taxes dollar-for-dollar. If you owed $3,500 in taxes, you'd now owe only $2,300.
What qualifies as childcare expenses
Qualifying expenses include:
Requirements for the child:
Requirements for you:
How different income levels affect your credit
Key factors that maximize your credit
What you should do
Gather all your 2026 childcare receipts and provider tax ID numbers. The Child and Dependent Care Credit is often overlooked but can save working families hundreds or even over $1,000 annually. Use our return scanner to check if you missed this credit on previous returns — you can file an amended return to claim it.
Key takeaway: Most working families with childcare costs can claim the Child and Dependent Care Credit worth $600-$1,200 annually. Keep receipts and your provider's tax ID number to claim this valuable credit.
Key Takeaway: Most working families can claim $600-$1,200 annually through the Child and Dependent Care Credit by keeping receipts and their provider's tax ID number.
Child and Dependent Care Credit rates by income level
| Income Level | Credit Percentage | Max Credit (1 child) | Max Credit (2+ children) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Under $15,000 | 35% | $1,050 | $2,100 |
| $25,000-$27,000 | 29% | $870 | $1,740 |
| $35,000-$37,000 | 24% | $720 | $1,440 |
| Over $43,000 | 20% | $600 | $1,200 |
More Perspectives
Robert Kim, Tax Return Analyst
Best for parents with infants starting daycare for the first time
Getting started with childcare tax benefits as a new parent
As a new parent returning to work, you're likely facing significant daycare costs for the first time. The good news is that most of these expenses qualify for the Child and Dependent Care Credit, but there are some important timing and eligibility rules to understand.
When your child qualifies
Your baby qualifies for the Child and Dependent Care Credit as soon as you start paying for care, regardless of age. Unlike some other child-related tax benefits that have minimum age requirements, the dependent care credit applies to infants.
Example for new parents:
You return to work when your baby is 3 months old and start paying $1,200/month for infant daycare. Over 9 months, you pay $10,800 total. You can claim the credit on up to $3,000 of these expenses (the annual limit for one child), giving you a $600 credit if your income is over $43,000.
Important timing considerations
Special considerations for new parents
Nanny vs. daycare center: Both qualify, but with a nanny, you may need to handle employment taxes (Social Security, Medicare, unemployment). Get their Social Security number for your tax forms.
Family members: Payments to relatives generally don't qualify unless they're not your dependents and you treat them as employees with proper tax withholding.
Part-time vs. full-time care: The credit applies whether you need full-time or part-time care, as long as it's necessary for work.
What to track from day one
Starting these habits early will make tax time much smoother and ensure you don't miss out on hundreds in tax savings.
Key takeaway: New parents can claim the Child and Dependent Care Credit immediately when starting daycare, but both parents must typically work and you'll need to track expenses and provider information carefully.
Key Takeaway: New parents can claim the Child and Dependent Care Credit immediately when starting daycare, but both parents must typically work and you'll need to track expenses and provider information carefully.
Diana Flores, Tax Credits & Amendments Specialist
Best for single parents who work and pay for childcare
Maximizing childcare benefits as a single parent
As a single working parent, you have some advantages when claiming the Child and Dependent Care Credit. You don't need to worry about the "both spouses must work" requirement that married couples face, and you may qualify for higher credit percentages if your income is lower.
Higher credit rates for lower incomes
Single parents often have lower household incomes than dual-income married couples, which can mean a higher credit percentage. The credit starts at 35% for income under $15,000 and gradually decreases to 20% for income over $43,000.
Example for single parent:
You're a single parent earning $35,000 annually and pay $4,000 for after-school care for your 8-year-old:
If you earned $50,000 instead, your credit would be $3,000 × 20% = $600, so lower income actually increases your credit.
Common single parent scenarios
After-school and summer care: If you work full-time but your school-age child needs care before/after school or during summer break, these expenses qualify.
Babysitter while working: Whether you have a regular babysitter or use different sitters, the expenses qualify as long as you're working or looking for work.
Weekend work care: If your job requires weekend work and you pay for weekend childcare, this qualifies for the credit.
Special considerations
Shared custody: If you share custody with your ex-spouse, only the custodial parent (the one the child lives with most of the year) can claim the credit. You can't split the credit even if you split the childcare costs.
Child support and alimony: Money received as child support doesn't count as "earned income" for this credit, but alimony does count as earned income starting in 2026.
Head of Household filing status: As a single parent, you likely qualify for Head of Household status, which has better tax brackets than Single status, plus you get the Child and Dependent Care Credit.
Combining with other credits
Don't forget you can also claim:
These credits stack with the dependent care credit, potentially saving you thousands.
Key takeaway: Single working parents often qualify for higher Child and Dependent Care Credit rates (up to 35%) and can combine this with other valuable credits like the Child Tax Credit and EITC.
Key Takeaway: Single working parents often qualify for higher Child and Dependent Care Credit rates (up to 35%) and can combine this with other valuable credits like the Child Tax Credit and EITC.
Sources
- IRS Publication 503 — Child and Dependent Care Expenses
- IRS Form 2441 Instructions — Child and Dependent Care Expenses Form
Reviewed by Diana Flores, Tax Credits & Amendments Specialist on February 28, 2026
This content is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional tax advice. Consult a qualified tax professional for advice specific to your situation.