Improving the Child and Dependent Care Tax Credit Would Help Working Families and Promote Tax Fairness for Women

Congressional tax-writing committees have undertaken a comprehensive review of the federal tax code, including federal tax credits for working families such as the Child and Dependent Care Tax Credit (CDCTC). For nearly 60 years, Congress has recognized that the childcare expenses parents incur in order to earn income should be acknowledged in the tax code. This review provides an opportunity to strengthen and improve the CDCTC to reflect the needs of the increased number of mothers of young children in the labor force and the rising costs of child care.