Publication 5851 — New Parents Check eligibility for these tax credits and deductions

Official source: IRS Forms, Instructions & Publications (https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/p5851.pdf), retrieved 2026-10-03. U.S. Government work (17 U.S.C. § 105).

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Child Tax Credit Taxpayers who claim at least one child as their dependent on their tax return may be eligible for the Child Tax Credit. For help figuring out if a child qualifies for this credit, taxpayers can check Does My Child/Dependent Qualify for the Child Tax Credit or the Credit for Other Dependents? on IRS.gov. Child and Dependent Care Credit If taxpayers paid someone to take care of their children or another member of their household while they work, they may qualify for the Child and Dependent Care Credit regardless of their income. Taxpayers who pay for daycare expenses may be eligible to claim up to 35% of their daycare expenses with certain limits. Adoption Tax Credit This credit lets families who are in the adoption process during the tax year claim eligible adoption expenses for each eligible child. Taxpayers can apply the credit to international, domestic, private and public foster care adoptions. Earned Income Tax Credit The Earned Income Tax Credit helps low- to moderate-income families get a tax break. If they qualify, taxpayers can use the credit to reduce the taxes they owe – and maybe increase their tax refund. Credit for Other Dependents

Taxpayers with dependents who don’t qualify for the Child Tax Credit may be able to claim the Credit for Other Dependents. Taxpayers can use the Does My Child/Dependent Qualify for the Child Tax Credit or the Credit for Other Dependents tool on IRS.gov to help determine if they are eligible to claim the credit. They can claim this credit in addition to the Child and Dependent Care Credit and the Earned Income Credit.

For more information, visit IRS.gov/parents .

Publication 5851 (8-2023) Catalog Number 94261T Department of the Treasury Internal Revenue Service www.irs.gov