Ask the Expert: What Types of Childcare Can I Take Off My Taxes?

As you get ready to file your taxes, you might be wondering what types of childcare are tax deductible, including nanny and babysitting expenses, day camp, overnight camp, summer school, and other daycare programs. Here, a federally licensed tax expert offers her advice.

How do I know if my childcare expenses are considered tax deductible?

If your child is under age 13 and lived with you for more than half of the tax year, then you may be able to take the credit for child and dependent care expenses only when you paid someone to care for your child so you could work or look for work during the year.

You may include the cost of a day camp, but the cost of an overnight camp, summer school, or a tutoring program is not allowed. The dependent care benefits include the fair market value of care in a daycare facility provided by your employer and pre-tax contributions you made under a dependent care flexible spending arrangement (FSA).