Get Dependent Care Provider S Identification (see Instructions

Box 10 of your W-2 shows the total amount of dependent care benefits that your employer paid to you or incurred on your behalf. Amounts over $5,000 ($2,500 in the case of a separate return filed by a married individual) are also included in box 1.

The credit rate phases down as income increases until it reaches 20% for families with an AGI of over $43,000, meaning the maximum credit rate available to families at this income level is $600 for one dependent or $1,200 for two or more dependents (20% of $6,000 in expenses).

To receive the credit for Child and Dependent Care Expenses, the expenses had to have been paid for care to be provided so that you (and your spouse, if filing jointly) could work or look for work. If both spouses do not show "earned income" (W-2's, business income, etc.), you generally cannot claim the credit.

You must have earned income throughout the year to qualify. Any money earned from pensions, foreign earned income, Social Security benefits, workers' comp, unemployment, investment income from interest or dividends or child support does not count.

You're receiving a tax benefit because under the plan, you're not paying taxes on the money set aside to pay for the dependent care expenses. You must complete and attach Form 2441, Child and Dependent Care Expenses to your tax return.

You (and your spouse, if you're married) must have "earned income," meaning money earned from a job. Non-work income, such as investment profits, doesn't count. You must have paid for the care so that you could work or look for work.

Who is a qualifying child? The child has to be part of your family. ... The child has to be under a certain age. ... The child has to live with you. ... The child can't provide more than half of their own financial support. ... The child can't file a joint tax return with someone.