2026 dependent care credit and FSA comparison
Compare an entered credit-rate estimate with the potential tax effect of dependent-care FSA benefits, without double counting the same expenses.
Run your estimate
Results update as you change the inputs.
Estimated care credit after entered FSA benefits$1,500
- Expenses eligible for modeled credit
- $3,000
- FSA benefits modeled
- $0
- Illustrative FSA tax effect
- $0
- Credit plus illustrative FSA tax effect
- $1,500
The credit is nonrefundable and its actual percentage depends on 2026 AGI rules. Form 2441, earned-income limits, provider eligibility, work purpose, qualifying-person status, filing status, and employer-plan terms control.
Copy link
Use the estimate to ask a better question.
Bring the assumptions, your records and the result to a tax professional before acting on a material tax or retirement decision.