Child care credit: I pay for child care out of the support i get does the father get the credit or do i?

Question

My kids father doesnt file the child care credit. Dumb rite? last year he paid for child care directly, this year my name is on the checks because i write them from my bank account but its from child support funds i get. I dont think he is going to this year either. Am I allowed to file for it? i think its dumb he doesnt get it, we could save it for my sons education. But i dont want to cross any lines by for filing it..i just think its silly hes basically wasting money.

Ivan · Accepted Answer

Child support is your money to take care of your child. Unlike alimony, it is not taxable to you, nor is it deductible for him. If you take that money, and then pay to support your child, then you are able to claim the child care credit. Since he does not pay them directly, he's not allowed to claim it.

Slickterp · Answer

Child support is neither income to you nor deductible for him.  He cannot claim the child care credit b/c he doesn't pay the costs.  YOU can claim the credit.  

Jeff is entirely wrong.

Judy · Answer

If the child lives with you, then you get the child care credit.

Anonymous · Answer

If hes paying child support hes filing that on his taxes. If hes smart he gets money back by doing that. If hes not he is dumb. lol.  And I never heard of child care credit unless that is part of your income tax return. If hes not If I was you I would. Get as much money back as you can.

tro · Answer

the child support is for the support of the child and should be used for that
you are spending the child's support money for your own purposes for child care, which you do to be able to go to work, but that money is your money not the child support money

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Child care credit: I pay for child care out of the support i get does the father get the credit or do i?

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