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Childcare tax credit calculator

The tax credit is 50% of childcare costs incurred outside the home, net of the allowances received, retained up to an annual ceiling per child under 6 — a reduced ceiling applies in shared custody.

2026 rules — verified on September 3, 2026Free, no account

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Sources and assumptions

  • service-public.gouv.fr — tax year 2026, verified on September 3, 2026
    Excerpt from the source : « Le crédit d'impôt est égal à 50 % des sommes versées dans la limite des plafonds suivants : Frais de garde à déclarer : 3 500 € maximum par enfant, 1 750 € maximum par enfant en garde alternée »
  • service-public.gouv.fr — tax year 2026, verified on September 3, 2026
    Excerpt from the source : « Frais de garde à déclarer : 3 500 € maximum par enfant »
  • service-public.gouv.fr — tax year 2026, verified on September 3, 2026
    Excerpt from the source : « 1 750 € maximum par enfant en garde alternée »
  • service-public.gouv.fr — tax year 2026, verified on September 3, 2026
    Excerpt from the source : « Avoir moins de 6 ans au 1er janvier de l'année d'imposition »

Calculation assumptions

  • The calculation covers childcare OUTSIDE the home: nursery, day-care centre, after-school care, leisure centre, registered childminder. Care of a child in your own home by an employee falls under the home-employment tax credit, computed by another engine.
  • The expenses entered are NET of the childcare allowances received (notably the free choice of childcare supplement paid by the Caf) and exclude food costs: deduct them before entering. The ceiling applies child by child: the calculation applies it to total expenses, without splitting, and therefore OVERSTATES the credit if one child's costs exceed its ceiling while another child stays below it or has none.
  • Only dependent children who have not reached the age limit on 1 January of the tax year count; an older child opens no ceiling.
  • The amount is a tax CREDIT: if it exceeds your income tax, the excess is refunded to you. The calculation therefore does not take your tax due into account.

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This result is provided for information purposes only and does not constitute personalised tax advice. Check your situation with the tax authorities or a professional.