Why aren’t my childcare expenses being calculated on my return?

When claiming childcare expenses on your tax return, TurboTax automatically attributes these expenses to the spouse with the lower net income, as required by the CRA (when filing a joint return).  The income section for both spouses will need to be completed prior to claiming childcare expenses.

However, the spouse with the higher net income can claim the expenses if the spouse with the lower net income met one or more of the CRA’s exceptions during the tax year.

Childcare expenses will also not be calculated on your return if either your balance owing or income is $0, since childcare expenses are non-refundable and accompanied by income caps (2/3 of your earned income, in most cases).

Related information:

How do I transfer child care expenses to the spouse or common-law partner with the higher net income?

How do I claim Covid-related childcare expenses in TurboTax?

Questions and answers about child care expenses