Parent Services
Lower Your Taxes or Increase Your Refund
Did you know you may be eligible for tax benefits to help pay for your child's education and care by reducing the income taxes you pay or increasing your tax refund?
A tax credit is even more valuable to families than a tax deduction. A tax credit is a dollar-for-dollar reduction in taxes owed. Some credits are refundable – taxes can be reduced to the point that a taxpayer receives a refund instead of paying taxes.
Under current federal law eligible families can claim tax credits* up to:
- $2,100 from the federal Child and Dependent Care Tax Credit
(up to $1,050 for each of your first two children; the exact amount depends on your income and actual child care expenses);
- $1,000 per child from the federal Child Tax Credit; and
- $5,657 from the federal Earned Income Tax Credit.
(The exact amount depends on your income)
Many states provide tax credits in addition to the federal tax credits.
Detailed information on federal tax credits for parents is available from:
The Internal Revenue Service
Call (800) TAX-1040 or (800) 829-1040 or visit
Tax Information for Parents:
http://www.irs.gov/individuals/parents/index.html
Child and Dependent Care Tax Credit:
http://www.irs.gov/Individuals/Child-and-Dependent-Care-Information
Child Tax Credit:
http://www.irs.gov/individuals/article/0,,id=121434,00.html
Earned Income Tax Credit:
http://www.irs.gov/individuals/article/0,,id=130102,00.html
Detailed information on both federal and state tax credits for parents is also available from:
The National Women's Law Center
http://www.nwlc.org/loweryourtaxes
* Credit amounts may change from year to year, are usually dependent on total family income and size, and may be subject to maximum income or child care spending limitations. Consult your tax advisor, the IRS, and state revenue officials to confirm your eligibility.