Top Stay-at-Home Mom Tax Credits: What You Can Still Qualify For

Being a stay-at-home mom is a full-time, around-the-clock role filled with love, sacrifice, and endless responsibilities. While you may not receive a traditional paycheck, your contribution to the home is invaluable—and when tax season rolls around, you may still be eligible for valuable tax credits that benefit your family.

Whether you’re filing jointly with your spouse or earning a little income from a side hustle, there are several tax credits stay-at-home moms should know about. These credits can help lower your family’s tax bill—or even boost your refund.

Let’s explore the top tax credits you might qualify for as a SAHM.

Top Stay-at-Home Mom Tax Credits

The Top Stay-at-Home Mom Tax Credits

1. Child Tax Credit (CTC)

If you have kids under the age of 17, this credit is a big one.

What it is:
The Child Tax Credit is a dollar-for-dollar reduction in the taxes you owe. For 2024 returns, the credit is up to $2,000 per qualifying child, and up to $1,600 of it may be refundable.

Requirements:

  • Child must be under 17 at the end of the tax year
  • Must be claimed as a dependent on your return
  • Must have lived with you for over half the year

Even if you didn’t earn income, filing jointly with a working spouse could help your family claim this credit.

4. Child and Dependent Care Credit

If you pay someone to care for your children so you or your spouse can work or attend school, you may qualify for the Child and Dependent Care Credit.

What it covers:

  • Daycare
  • In-home babysitters
  • After-school programs

Credit amount:
A percentage of up to $3,000 in expenses for one child or $6,000 for two or more children.

Even if you’re mostly at home, this may apply if you’re working a side hustle or taking classes while paying for childcare.

3. Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC)

You might think this one doesn’t apply to SAHMs—but if your household income is modest, and you or your spouse earn wages or self-employment income, you could qualify.

What it is:
The EITC is a refundable credit for low- to moderate-income working individuals and families, especially those with children.

Requirements:

  • You (or your spouse) must have earned income from employment or self-employment.
  • Must meet income limits, which depend on how many kids you have.

Even part-time or side gig earnings can make your family eligible.

3. Education Adventures: Education Credits

Are you or your spouse hitting the books? Whether it’s a degree for you or a future one for your little one, education expenses can open the door to valuable tax credits. The American Opportunity Credit and the Lifetime Learning Credit are here to make your educational pursuits a bit lighter on the wallet.

4. Boosting Retirement Savings: Retirement Savings Contributions Credit

Thinking about your future, superhero mom? Contributing to a retirement account not only secures your financial future but also might make you eligible for the Retirement Savings Contributions Credit. It’s a win-win: prepare for tomorrow while enjoying a tax credit today.

5. The Health Savings Hero: Health Savings Account (HSA) Contributions

Health is wealth, and the IRS knows it too. If you’re contributing to a health savings account, those contributions might be tax-deductible. It’s a double win: prioritizing your family’s health and saving on taxes. Now, that’s a superhero move!

6. The Power of Adoption: Adoption Tax Credit

For superhero moms on the adoption journey, the Adoption Tax Credit is a beacon of support. The expenses incurred during the adoption process could qualify you for a credit, making the path to expanding your family a bit more financially feasible.

Supermoms, these tax credits are your secret weapons. As you weave through the daily adventures of motherhood, don’t forget to unleash the full potential of your financial superpowers. It’s time to maximize those stay-at-home mom tax credits and ensure your family’s financial fortress stands stronger than ever!

It is essential to keep in mind that tax laws can undergo changes, and individual circumstances differ. It is highly advisable to seek guidance from a qualified tax professional or utilize reputable tax software to ensure thorough consideration of all applicable tax credits and deductions while maintaining compliance with tax regulations.

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