Babysitter costs
$15-$25/hour
Can You Write Off Babysitter Costs?
Short answer: Yes toward the dependent care credit when the sitting lets you work; date-night babysitting doesn't count.
Payments to your own child under 19 or to a dependent don't qualify.
Records to keep: Keep receipts, statements (1098, 1098-T, 1099, W-2G), and a note of what each cost was for. Compare itemizing to the 2026 standard deduction before you claim.
BW-B22-00092
medium risk
Babysitter costs
Typical range: $15-$25/hour
Individuals / Personal Taxes
Other Expenses
Personal Tax Deductions
Yes toward the dependent care credit when the sitting lets you work; date-night babysitting doesn't count.
BizWriteOffs provides educational information only and is not tax, legal, or accounting advice. Deductibility depends on your specific facts and records. Consult a qualified tax professional.
Business justification
Yes toward the dependent care credit when the sitting lets you work; date-night babysitting doesn't count. Payments to your own child under 19 or to a dependent don't qualify.
Category
- Personal Tax Deductions
personal deduction
search demand 2026
kids dependents
childcare