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Learning, Sharing, and Teaching => Ask a Mustachian => Topic started by: AndyV on July 13, 2018, 08:50:12 PM

Title: Preschool eligible for Dependant Care Flex Spending for Stay at Home Mom?
Post by: AndyV on July 13, 2018, 08:50:12 PM

My wife stays at home with our son and does not earn an income. We have the option for a Dependant Care Flexible Spending Account through my work, just going through open enrollment now. We plan to put my son in part time preschool from Sept-May.  Would this technically qualify for DCFSA or does the coverage only cover if it allows my wife to work?  I’m seeing some federal websites that show preschool as eligible without stated restrictions but my accountant has said otherwise. Can’t seem to get a straight answer on this, any help would be appreciated.

Title: Re: Preschool eligible for Dependant Care Flex Spending for Stay at Home Mom?
Post by: nessness on July 13, 2018, 09:57:45 PM

No, you can't use it. Both parents must be working, looking for work, disabled, or full time students.

https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.forbes.com/sites/kellyphillipserb/2017/11/01/ask-the-taxgirl-dependent-care-expenses-stay-at-home-parents/amp/

https://ttlc.intuit.com/questions/3630680-i-am-a-stay-at-home-parent-but-my-daughter-goes-to-preschool-3-hours-a-day-can-i-claim-the-child-and-dependent-care-credit

Title: Re: Preschool eligible for Dependant Care Flex Spending for Stay at Home Mom?
Post by: mm1970 on July 16, 2018, 11:00:43 AM

You cannot use DCFSA unless both spouses are working. (or other, as stated above)