California residents with children enrolled in Montessori preschool or daycare Can file for tax credits on both their state and federal tax returns. Note that these are credits, not deductions, and are applied to the amount you have actually paid in taxes on the federal level and school expenses on your California tax return.
California Child and Dependent Care Expenses Tax Credit
California provides a similar tax credit to the one available at the federal level, with the exception that CA credit is applied to actual expenses paid rather than filed against taxes deducted from your pay. You may claim up to $3000 for expenses related to one Montessori preschool student, or a maximum of $6000 if you have more than 1 qualifying student. California requires you to file jointly (if married), plus have verified earned income during the preceding year. The FTB.CA website contains a full explanation of how to use the credit as well as a link to form you must file, FTB 3506.
Federal Child and Dependent Care Tax Credit
The Internal Revenue Service allows qualifying parents and guardians to claim some of the child care expenses for the previous year. As with the California credit, individuals or families may claim up to $3000 for one child or a maximum of $6000 for multiple children. The credit is available for enrollment expenses in pre-kindergarten or after school care for older children. For more information, visit the related IRS website or talk with a certified tax professional.
The information provided here is to assist you in recouping some of your expenses for Montessori preschool, and may not apply to all parents. Similarly, there may be other deductions or credits which are not listed here. We encourage you to speak with a qualified tax professional before using these credits to avoid possible tax return complications.