daycare cost tax deduction?

can anyone give me any information about if and how much of daycare costs are tax deductible? or could you point me to a website (I'm not sure im looking in the right place).

also, if you pay cash for a babysitter in your home full time, you can't write that off any how can you?


thanks!

Re: daycare cost tax deduction?

The tax credit is only for a day care center I believe.
I can't remember how much it was, but it's honestly not much

Re: daycare cost tax deduction?

The daycare or nursery school will give you a tax number. I don't believe at home is able to be reported.

daycare cost tax deduction?

My daycare is in-home and licensed and she provides me with her tax id number.

daycare cost tax deduction?

It can also be for before and after school care, as well as summer programs as long as you needed to for work purposes. I think its a credit of max $600/$800 back. I haven't claimed it in a few years.

Re: daycare cost tax deduction?

(I used to be a tax-preparer)

Last I remember, the max you can claim is $3,000 per child and you only get back a percentage of it.
You can claim any child care provider (in home, day care, etc.) as long as the provider gives you his/her tax ID number or social security number.

Your allowable deductions are listed every year in the Publication 17

Here is the link to IRS PUB 17

HTH

Edited for spelling

Message edited 11/13/2012 7:14:48 PM.