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Childcare is expensive. This part doesn't have to be taxed.

Compare the dependent care FSA against the Child and Dependent Care Credit and see which one saves your family more.

Care costs

01 / CARE
$
1 child
Credit expense cap$3,000

Your taxes

02 / TAX
Married filing jointly
$
Estimated marginal federal rate—

FSA election

03 / FSA
$

2026 limit: $7,500 per household. Your plan must allow the full amount — check with HR.

Email my results

Calculate your plan to activate the email and copy buttons. Your entries stay in this tab and are not saved.

FSA or credit?

Enter your childcare costs, income, and planned FSA election to see which tax break wins.

Last reviewed: October 2026.

What's next?

Honed Money provides calculators and educational information for general purposes only. It is not financial, tax, legal, investment, or insurance advice. Estimates are based on the information you enter and the assumptions shown. Actual results will vary. For taxes, retirement, and government benefits, verify with IRS.gov, SSA.gov, or VA.gov. We don’t sell financial products and aren’t paid for calculator results. Use at your own risk.