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Stanfield, Thomas & Associates
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Enhanced Tax Credit Can Help Cover 2026 Care Costs – Did You Know? (1/2)![]()
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If you pay for care for your qualifying child under age 13, or for your spouse or other qualifying person who is physically or mentally incapable of self-care and lives with you for more than half the year, then you may qualify for a federal tax credit. The Child and Dependent Care Tax Credit (CDCTC) can help cover care expenses you pay in order to work or seek work. Rule changes that took effect this year have made the CDCTC more valuable for many households.![]()
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As in past years, you may use up to $3,000 of eligible expenses to figure the credit for one qualifying person, or up to $6,000 for two or more qualifying persons. However, beginning in 2026, the maximum credit rate increased from 35% to 50% of eligible expenses. The applicable percentage declines as adjusted gross income rises, but many households may qualify for a larger credit than under prior law. The increase can be as much as $900 for taxpayers with two or more qualifying persons.![]()
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In general, the CDCTC is available for all filing statuses except married filing separately (MFS). However, MFS filers may qualify if they meet special requirements, including filing separately, maintaining a home for a qualifying person for more than half the year, paying more than half the cost of maintaining the home, and not living with their spouse during the last six months of the year. To claim the credit, you must provide information about both the care recipient and care provider on your tax return. A tax professional can help you determine whether you are eligible for the CDCTC, and if so, help you meet the reporting requirements to claim the largest possible credit.
Tax Rules for Scholarships, Grants and Fellowships - Did You Know?![]()
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Common questions about education expenses relate to whether scholarships, fellowships and grants constitute taxable income. These awards are generally tax-exempt when received by a degree candidate at an eligible educational institution and used for qualified education expenses, including tuition, required enrollment fees, and required course-related books, supplies and equipment.![]()
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However, taxes may apply to funds used for nonqualified expenses like housing, food, travel and optional equipment. Fellowships that carry a work requirement, such as serving as a teaching assistant, are generally taxable compensation to the extent they represent payment for teaching, research or other required services, subject to limited exceptions.![]()
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The educational institution or scholarship provider should provide you with detailed information about the potential taxability of funds. By reviewing that information with you, a tax professional can help you maximize both tax benefits and peace of mind.
Quarterly Estimated Tax Payments - Reminder![]()
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If you are making quarterly estimated tax payments to the IRS, the due date for the June 1 - August 31, 2026 payment period is coming up next week on Tuesday, September 15, 2026.![]()
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For payments made using IRS Direct Pay, you can make payments until 11:45 p.m. ET on the due date. Debit and credit card payments may also be made online through an IRS-approved payment processor.
Educator Classroom Expense Deduction – Did You Know?![]()
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Eligible K-12 teachers, instructors, counselors, principals and aides who pay for classroom supplies out of pocket may deduct up to $350 of qualifying expenses per year. Married couples filing jointly who are both eligible educators may deduct up to $350 each, for a combined maximum of $700.![]()
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You do not need to itemize deductions to claim this deduction. Be sure to keep receipts and other records for any classroom expenses you plan to deduct.
Major Higher Education Tax Credits Now Require Valid SSN – Did You Know?![]()
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The American Opportunity Tax Credit (AOTC) and Lifetime Learning Credit (LLC) help many Americans pay for higher education. For eligible students pursuing a degree or other recognized credential, the AOTC can cover up to $2,500 in tuition, required school fees and certain course materials per year. Meanwhile, the LLC can offset up to $2,000 per tax return for qualified education expenses for eligible students taking higher education courses for a variety of reasons.![]()
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Beginning with tax year 2026, the taxpayer claiming either the AOTC or LLC (and spouse, if filing jointly) must have a Social Security number (SSN) valid for work in the United States that was issued before the due date of the tax return, including extensions. If the eligible student is not the person claiming the credit (for example, if the student is that person's dependent or spouse), then the student must also have a valid SSN issued by that deadline. Other qualification requirements, such as income limits, remain in effect. A tax professional can help you determine whether the higher education expenses you pay for yourself, your spouse or a dependent qualify for a tax benefit.