How does the tax system subsidize child care expenses? Q.How does the tax system subsidize child care expenses? A.Working parents are eligible for two tax benefits to offset child care costs: the child and dependent care tax credit and the exclusion for employer-provided child care. The credit benefits only a small share of parents because relatively few have formal child care expenses that qualify for the credit. Read more about How does the tax system subsidize child care expenses?
What is the difference between refundable and nonrefundable credits? Q.What is the difference between refundable and nonrefundable tax credits? A.Taxpayers subtract both refundable and nonrefundable credits from the income taxes they owe. If a refundable credit exceeds the amount of income taxes owed, the difference is paid as a refund. If a nonrefundable credit exceeds the amount of income taxes owed, the excess is lost. Read more about What is the difference between refundable and nonrefundable credits?
What are tax credits and how do they differ from tax deductions? Q.What are tax credits and how do they differ from tax deductions? A.Credits reduce taxes directly and do not depend on tax rates. Deductions reduce taxable income; their value thus depends on the taxpayer’s marginal tax rate, which rises with income. Read more about What are tax credits and how do they differ from tax deductions?