Louisiana families paying $750/month for daycare can save $2,000-$4,500/year by stacking the federal CDCTC, the state credit (50% of federal credit), and a Dependent Care FSA. The state credit is refundable.
Louisiana Childcare Tax Credit & Savings Calculator (2026)
Full-time daycare in Louisiana averages $750/month ($9,000/year). Here's what you can claim back.
Enter your income, filing status, and number of kids to see your net daycare cost after all credits and FSA savings.
Open Tax CalculatorLouisiana Childcare Tax Credit Details (2026)
Example Savings for a Louisiana Family
1 child, married filing jointly, $9,000/year in daycare. Proposed 2026 OBBA rates.
| Income (AGI) | Federal | LA | FSA | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $30K | $1,290 | $645 | $983 | $2,918 |
| $50K | $990 | $495 | $983 | $2,468 |
| $75K | $600 | $300 | $1,483 | $2,383 |
| $100K | $600 | $300 | $1,483 | $2,383 |
Questions About Louisiana Childcare Tax Benefits
How much is Louisiana's childcare tax credit worth?
Louisiana's childcare tax credit is 50% of federal credit. It is fully refundable, so you get money back even if you owe no state tax. This stacks on top of the federal CDCTC and FSA savings.
How much does daycare cost in Louisiana?
Full-time infant center-based care in Louisiana averages $750/month ($9,000/year). Costs vary by city. See our Louisiana daycare cost page for city-level rates.
Can I claim both the federal credit and a Dependent Care FSA?
Yes, but they share an expense pool. If you put $5,000 in your FSA, the max qualifying expenses for the federal credit drops from $3,000/$6,000 to $0/$1,000. In most cases, the FSA saves more per dollar (income tax + FICA savings), so use it first.