The dependent care credit is based on adjusted gross income (AGI). If AGI is over $15,000, then a certain percentage can be calculated for qualifying expenses. If married filing a joint return, is this percentage based on combined income?
There is no AGI limit on who can claim the credit. The amount of AGI only determines the credit percentage. Therefore, combined income if married filing jointly is considered in determining the credit percentage allowed. The credit ranges from 20 percent to 35 percent, with a maximum credit of 20 percent of qualified expenses for taxpayers with AGI over $43,000.
Note a couple of other requirements: To take the credit for married filing jointly, both spouses must have earned income or the dependent care expenses are paid so the taxpayer and spouse could look for work; and, if married, generally the taxpayers must file a joint return.
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Answered by: Loretta M. Tubiello-Harr, CPA, is a principal with Tubiello-Harr & Associates LLC in Coopersburg, Pa.