Daycare Receipt Generator

Why Daycare Receipts Are Required

Most families spend $10,000-15,000 per year on childcare—often their second-largest expense after housing. But here's the problem: you can't claim the Child and Dependent Care Credit without proper receipts. The IRS requires specific information: provider name, address, tax ID number (EIN), dates of service, and amounts paid.

Many parents also don't realize how much they're actually spending. You budget $200/week, but after registration fees, late pickup charges, and activity fees, you're paying $250/week. That's $2,600 more per year than planned.

Three situations where you need receipts:

Tax Credits — You paid $12,000 in childcare last year, qualifying for the full Child and Dependent Care Credit. But you lost receipts from March and July. Without complete documentation, you can't claim the credit—losing $600-1,200 in tax savings.

FSA Reimbursement — Your employer offers a Dependent Care FSA for pre-tax childcare payments. But you need itemized receipts showing dates, provider info, and amounts. Payment confirmations aren't enough—you need actual receipts with the provider's EIN.

State Assistance — Many states offer childcare subsidies for low-income families. These programs require detailed receipts proving you're paying for licensed care. No receipts, no subsidy.

What Your Receipt Needs

For tax purposes, include the daycare's full name and license number, complete address and phone, tax ID number (EIN—critical for IRS), exact attendance dates, type of care (full-time, part-time, after-school), weekly or monthly rate, extra fees (registration, late pickup, activities, meals), payment date and method, child's name and age. Without the EIN, you cannot claim the childcare tax credit.