Child Care Expenses - Documentation

[GoodDadtoBK]

What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)? CA

I have an order that states the following:

"Child care costs shall be borne equally by parties when reasonably related to employment. Minute Order shall be the formal order of the Court."

Would it be fair to ask the parent who is asking for reimbursement to show which days child care was needed due to their work schedule?

The reason why this is being questioned is because my ex is asking for reimbursement for the months of June and July, however I had our daughter the majority of both of those months (about 70%). When my daughter was with her Mom during the remainder of time during the two months, they were traveling to visit her family across the country.

The amount she is requesting is a pretty large amount and I have no problem paying it; as long as the child care was truly a result of an employment schedule. Any time I submit to her my child care expenses, I always indicate which days the expenses covered.

 

[tuffbrk]

I don't see any reason why you can't ask for the daycare schedule. However, please note that the contract signed with the daycare may preclude being allowed to reduce the amount paid based upon attendance.

 

[GoodDadtoBK]

Thanks for your response.

Unfortunately, she has somebody come to her home to watch our daughter so there are no sign-in sheets. I do think I am within my right, though, to make sure the expenses I am reimbursing her for are due to her work schedule, not other reasons. I'm not sure how else to verify this other than asking for a list of dates that she used the child care provider.

 

[mistoffolees]

Thanks for your response.

Unfortunately, she has somebody come to her home to watch our daughter so there are no sign-in sheets. I do think I am within my right, though, to make sure the expenses I am reimbursing her for are due to her work schedule, not other reasons. I'm not sure how else to verify this other than asking for a list of dates that she used the child care provider.

Is ex reporting the child care expense and paying FICA, etc? If so, she should have a quarterly report of the total paid. Or, even if she's not paying FICA, she is probably deducting it on her taxes, so you could ask for a copy of that schedule when taxes are done. But as for how much of that is actually work-related, you're probably going to have to rely on what ex tells you. Ask for a schedule if you wish, but don't be surprised if it's simply CP writing down some dates.

 

[TheGeekess]

Is ex reporting the child care expense and paying FICA, etc? If so, she should have a quarterly report of the total paid. Or, even if she's not paying FICA, she is probably deducting it on her taxes, so you could ask for a copy of that schedule when taxes are done. But as for how much of that is actually work-related, you're probably going to have to rely on what ex tells you. Ask for a schedule if you wish, but don't be surprised if it's simply CP writing down some dates.

Posting Hx....

 

[GoodDadtoBK]

I don't understand what my posting history has to do with anything. You seem to make a negative comment on every question I post and I have no idea why.

Yes, I come to this board to ask a lot of questions. I don't understand how that is a problem. If you don't like the questions/comments that I post, then why not just stay away from them?

Sometimes maybe I am overreacting, but that is due to years of being taken advantage of. I am trying to look out for myself, legally, and I thought this website was a great tool to do so. Sorry if I offended you.

 

[CJane]

Is ex reporting the child care expense and paying FICA, etc? If so, she should have a quarterly report of the total paid. Or, even if she's not paying FICA, she is probably deducting it on her taxes, so you could ask for a copy of that schedule when taxes are done. But as for how much of that is actually work-related, you're probably going to have to rely on what ex tells you. Ask for a schedule if you wish, but don't be surprised if it's simply CP writing down some dates.

Eh, I dunno. When I claim my child care expenses on my taxes, I just put in the $ amount paid in child care. I've never had to provide proof. I've never, as far as I remember, received a receipt from my child care provider since I stopped using a center.

 

[LdiJ]

Eh, I dunno. When I claim my child care expenses on my taxes, I just put in the $ amount paid in child care. I've never had to provide proof. I've never, as far as I remember, received a receipt from my child care provider since I stopped using a center.

You do however have to have the provider's info (SSN or EIC etc.). If the IRS would audit you, you would also have to provide proof of the expense.

Technically someone that babysits in your home (other than an occasional sitter) is considered to be a household employee and you are supposed to withhold social security and medicare taxes from their wages as well as pay the employer share.

 

[mistoffolees]

You do however have to have the provider's info (SSN or EIC etc.). If the IRS would audit you, you would also have to provide proof of the expense.

Technically someone that babysits in your home (other than an occasional sitter) is considered to be a household employee and you are supposed to withhold social security and medicare taxes from their wages as well as pay the employer share.

Only if the amount is greater than $1900 for the tax year.