Fill out Form 2441 (Child and Dependent Care Expenses) online
Form 2441 is used to calculate and claim the Child and Dependent Care Credit, which offsets the cost of care for qualifying children under age 13 or disabled dependents while you work or look for work. It is also used to report dependent care benefits received from an employer.
How to fill out Form 2441 (Child and Dependent Care Expenses)
Identify care providers
In Part I, list each care provider's name, address, and taxpayer identification number (SSN or EIN). If the provider refused to give you their TIN, check the box and indicate you exercised due diligence.
List qualifying persons
In Part II, enter the name, SSN, and qualified expenses for each qualifying person (children under 13 or disabled dependents). The maximum expense amount is $3,000 for one qualifying person or $6,000 for two or more.
Report dependent care benefits
If you received dependent care benefits from your employer (shown in box 10 of your W-2), complete Part III to determine the taxable and excludable portions. Reduce your eligible expenses accordingly.
Calculate the credit
Multiply your eligible expenses (after reductions) by the credit percentage based on your adjusted gross income. The percentage ranges from 20% to 35%. Enter the result on Schedule 3, line 2.
About Form 2441 (Child and Dependent Care Expenses)
Who needs this form
Taxpayers who paid someone to care for a qualifying child under age 13 or a disabled dependent so they could work or actively look for work. Both spouses must have earned income if filing jointly, unless one is a full-time student or disabled.
Where to submit
Attach Form 2441 to your Form 1040 or 1040-SR when filing your annual federal income tax return. The credit is claimed on Schedule 3, line 2.
Source and content freshness
- Reviewed: 2026-02-24
- Filing deadlines may shift for weekends and holidays. Verify due dates with official instructions.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Not including the care provider's taxpayer identification number (SSN or EIN), which can result in the credit being disallowed
- Claiming expenses that exceed the lower-earning spouse's earned income
- Forgetting to reduce eligible expenses by any dependent care flexible spending account (FSA) benefits received from an employer
- Including overnight camp or school tuition costs, which do not qualify for the credit
Frequently asked questions
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Can I claim the credit if my spouse does not work?
Generally, both spouses must have earned income to claim the credit. However, a spouse who is a full-time student for at least five months of the year or who is physically or mentally incapable of self-care is treated as having earned income of $250 per month (one qualifying person) or $500 per month (two or more). This allows the working spouse to claim the credit.
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