09/18/2026
Backpacks, before-care, after-school pickup, daycare bills β back-to-school season gets expensive fast. But two tax breaks can help offset the cost of care your kids need so you can work. π
Dependent Care FSA: Set aside up to $7,500 pre-tax in 2026 (up from $5,000) to pay for daycare, before/after-school programs, and day camps.
Child & Dependent Care Credit: Even without an FSA, you may be able to claim a credit worth 20β50% of up to $6,000 in care expenses for two or more kids.
The catch? You can't double-dip on the same dollars β coordinating the two takes some planning. Before/after-school programs and licensed day camps generally qualify; overnight camp and summer school don't.
If your family is juggling new childcare costs this fall, it may be worth a quick check-in to make sure you're capturing every tax break available. We can help you sort out what qualifies. π