The Ellis County Press: Take a summertime tax break on day camp for your kids

Take a summertime tax break on day camp for your kids
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Editor on 06/11/2009 09:13:00


DALLAS -  Here's a tax break for the busy summer. Many working parents must
arrange for care of their children under 13 years of age during the school
vacation period. A popular solution--with a tax benefit--is a day camp program.
"Unlike overnight camps, the cost of day camp may count as an expense towards
the Child and Dependent Care Credit," said Clay Sanford, an IRS spokesman in
Dallas.
Sanford said the credit is generally 20% to 35% of non-reimbursed expenses--up
to $3000 in expenses for one child and up to $6000 for two or more children. 
The actual credit is also based on your income.  The 35% rate applies if your
income is less than $15,000, and the 20% rate applies if your income is more
than $43,000.
For more information, check out IRS Publication 503, Child and Dependent Care
Expenses available on the IRS Web site, IRS.gov or by calling 800-TAX-FORM
(800-829-3676).
Don't be confused by internet sites that end in .com, .net, .org or other
designations instead of .gov. The address of the official IRS governmental Web
site is www.irs.gov.