Child Care Credit in Ohio
The federal Child and Dependent Care Credit allows Ohio taxpayers to claim a credit on their 2025 federal return for a portion of expenses paid to care for a qualifying child under 13 while the taxpayer works or actively seeks employment. Both in-home care and licensed daycare facilities qualify.
Ohio provides a nonrefundable state income tax credit for child care expenses as well, calculated as a percentage of the federal credit. This state credit phases out at higher income levels, so middle-income Ohio families often see the greatest combined benefit from stacking both the federal and state credits.
Taxpayers should collect provider identification numbers, payment totals, and any year-end statements from care facilities before filing. Ohio residents who use a Dependent Care FSA through their employer should note that FSA reimbursements reduce the amount of expenses eligible for the credit.