Resource Center

Qualified Dependent-Care Expenses

Qualified and Non-Qualified Medical Expenses for Dependent-Care FSAs

Use your dependent-care FSA to pay for or get reimbursed for a variety of dependent-care expenses. See the complete list of qualified dependent-care expenses for a dependent-care FSA in IRS Publication 503—Child and Dependent Care Expenses.

See qualified medical expenses for HSAs, health care FSAs, and HRAs.

Qualified Dependent-Care Expenses Include:

  • Au pair
  • Babysitting
  • Before and after school care
  • Care for a child incapable of self-care
  • Childcare by a relative
  • Day camp where the primary purpose is custodial care
  • Deposits
  • Dependent care for a child under 13
  • Elder care
  • Expenses necessary for you or your spouse to work, look for work, or attend school full-time
  • Extended day programs
  • FICA/FUTA taxes of day care provider
  • Field trips
  • Late pick-up fees
  • Nanny fees
  • Nursery, preschool, or prekindergarten
  • Overnight care when one caregiver is working and the other sleeping
  • Registration fees
  • Sick-child care

Non-Qualified Dependent-Care Expenses Include:

  • Activity fees/supplies
  • Daycare for a child aged 13 or older
  • Disabled dependent living outside of employee’s household
  • Enrichment classes/summer school
  • Field trips
  • Food
  • Kindergarten or school tuition (preschool and before and aftercare is qualified)
  • Late fees
  • Meals, supplies, uniforms, diaper fees, etc.
  • Nursing home/long-term care expenses
  • Overnight camps
  • Parents night out
  • Placement fees
  • Transportation
  • Fees paid to provider not reporting the income to the IRS