If both spouses work, then the credit is up to 50% of the amount spent on childcare (max credit of 4K per child) – you can take this credit for up to 2 children in childcare – so for 2 kids, the max credit is 8K and it is refundable. Your ability to enjoy this credit phases out as your joint AGI exceeds 125K If you would rather pay for childcare pre-tax, then (if your employer allows), you can defer up to $10,500 into a Dependent Care FSA, but whatever you defer into the FSA can’t be used to calculate the child care credit. Depending on your situation, a decision needs to be made whether to take advantage of the FSA deferral or the credit – let us help you make the decision.
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