Reduce Your Taxes with the Child Care Tax Credit

If you paid someone to care for a person in your household last year while you worked or looked for work, then you may be able to take the Child and Dependent Care Tax Credit and reduce the amount of tax owed.

Here are 12 facts you should know about this important tax credit:

1.     Child, Dependent or Spouse. You may be able to claim the credit if you paid someone to care for your child, dependent or spouse last year.

2.     Work-related Expenses. Your expenses for care must be work-related. This means that you must pay for the care so you can work or look for work. This rule also applies to your spouse if you file a joint return. Your spouse meets this rule during any month they are a full-time student. They also meet it if they’re physically or mentally incapable of self-care.

3.     Qualifying Person. The care must have been for “qualifying persons.” A qualifying person can be your child under age 13. A qualifying person can also be your spouse or dependent who lived with you for more than half the year and is physically or mentally incapable of self-care.

4.     Earned Income Required. You must have earned income, such as from wages, salaries and tips. It also includes net earnings from self-employment. Your spouse must also have earned income if you file jointly. Your spouse is treated as having earned income for any month that they are a full-time student or incapable of self-care. This rule also applies to you if you file a joint return. Please call if you have any questions about what qualifies as earned income.

5.     Credit Percentage / Expense Limits.The credit is worth between 20 and 35 percent of your allowable expenses. The percentage depends on the amount of your income. Your allowable expenses are limited to $3,000 if you paid for the care of one qualifying person. The limit is $6,000 if you paid for the care of two or more.

6.     Dependent Care Benefits. If your employer gives you dependent care benefits, special rules apply. For more information about these rules, please call the office.

7.     Qualifying Person’s SSN.You must include the Social Security Number of each qualifying person to claim the credit.

8.     Keep Records and Receipts. Keep all your receipts and records for when you file your tax return next year. You will need the name, address and taxpayer identification number of the care provider. You must report this information when you claim the credit.

9.     Form 2441. File Form 2441, Child and Dependent Care Expenseswith your tax return to claim the credit.

10.                        Joint Return if Married. Generally, married couples must file a joint return. You can still take the credit, however, if you are legally separated or living apart from your spouse.

11.                        Don’t overlook vacation and summer camps.Day camps are common during the summer months. Many parents pay for day camps for their children during school vacations while they work or look for work. If this applies to you, your costs may qualify for a federal tax credit that can lower your taxes.

12.                        Certain Care Does Not Qualify.You may not include the cost of certain types of care for the tax credit, including:

We at Schaumburg CPA offer a complete range of International Taxation, Tax and Consulting Services. We are here not only to understand your needs but excelling on solutions to satisfy your needs. We are staying on top of current law changes and developing new relationships on a daily basis to serve your needs. Manendra Kothari is qualified Chartered Accountant from India and qualified and licensed CPA from US.

Overnight camps or summer school tutoring costs.

Care provided by your spouse or your child who is under age 19 at the end of the year.

Care given by a person you can claim as your dependent.

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Five Ways to Improve Your Financial Situation

If you are having trouble paying your debts, it is important to take action sooner rather than later. Doing nothing leads to much larger problems in the future, whether it's a bad credit record or bankruptcy resulting in the loss of assets and even your home. If you're in financial trouble, then here are some steps to take to avoid financial ruin in the future.

If you've accumulated a large amount of debt and are having difficulty paying your bills each month, now is the time to take action--before the bill collectors start calling. Our Payroll in Schaumburg team payroll offers a number of options regarding the distribution of payroll on payday. Whether you need direct deposit, or check printing, your employees’ have the payment options they want.

1. Review each debt. Make sure that the debt creditors claim you owe is really what you owe and that the amount is correct. If you dispute a debt, first contact the creditor directly to resolve your questions. If you still have questions about the debt, contact your state or local consumer protection office or, in cases of serious creditor abuse, your state Attorney General.

2. Contact your creditors. Let your creditors know you are having difficulty making your payments. Tell them why you are having trouble, perhaps it is because you recently lost your job or have unexpected medical bills. Try to work out an acceptable payment schedule with your creditors. Most are willing to work with you and will appreciate your honesty and forthrightness.

Tip: Most automobile financing agreements permit your creditor to repossess your car any time you are in default, with no advance notice. If your car is repossessed you may have to pay the full balance due on the loan, as well as towing and storage costs, to get it back. Do not wait until you are in default. Try to solve the problem with your creditor when you realize you will not be able to meet your payments. It may be better to sell the car yourself and pay off your debt than to incur the added costs of repossession.

3. Budget your expenses. Create a spending plan that allows you to reduce your debts. Itemize your necessary expenses (such as housing and healthcare) and optional expenses (such as entertainment and vacation travel). Stick to the plan.

4. Try to reduce your expenses. Cut out any unnecessary spending such as eating out and purchasing expensive entertainment. Consider taking public transportation or using a car sharing service rather than owning a car. Clip coupons, purchase generic products at the supermarket and avoid impulse purchases. Above all, stop incurring new debt. Leave your credit cards at home. Pay for all purchases in cash or use a debit card instead of a credit card. 

5. Pay down and consolidate your debts. Withdrawing savings from low-interest accounts to settle high-rate loans or credit card debt usually makes sense. In addition, there are a number of ways to pay off high-interest loans, such as credit cards, by getting a refinancing or consolidation loan, such as a second mortgage.

Tip: Selling off a second car not only provides cash but also reduces insurance and other maintenance expenses.

Caution: Be wary of any loan consolidations or other refinancing that actually increase interest owed, or require payments of points or large fees.

Caution: Second mortgages greatly increase the risk that you may lose your home.

You can regain financial health if you act responsibly. But don't wait until bankruptcy court is your only option. If you're having financial troubles, don't hesitate to call. We at CPA in Chicago will also show you how to manage your payroll and annual expenditure. We are also efficient in showing you the detailed deductions that can help you to limit your tax liabilities for the next few years to come as long as we are at union with your business.

Contact us: 847.524.0001

For More Information Visit: http://schaumburgcpa.info/