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Massachusetts families paying $2,050/month for daycare can save $1,850-$3,400/year through the federal CDCTC and a Dependent Care FSA. Massachusetts does not offer a state childcare tax credit, so your savings come from federal programs only.

Massachusetts Childcare Tax Credit & Savings Calculator (2026)

Full-time daycare in Massachusetts averages $2,050/month ($24,600/year). Here's what you can claim back.

Avg. Daycare Cost

$2,050/mo

Massachusetts, center-based infant care

Federal Credit (CDCTC)

up to $3,000

20-50% of $6K max (proposed 2026)

Massachusetts State Credit

None

Massachusetts has no CDCTC equivalent

Calculate Your Exact Savings

Enter your income, filing status, and number of kids to see your net daycare cost after all credits and FSA savings.

Open Tax Calculator

Massachusetts Childcare Tax Credit Details (2026)

Massachusetts does not offer a state-level childcare tax credit. Your savings come from the federal CDCTC and Dependent Care FSA only.

What you CAN claim in Massachusetts: The federal CDCTC saves $600-$1,500/year depending on income. A Dependent Care FSA through your employer saves another $1,250-$1,900/year. Combined: $1,850-$3,400/year off your $24,600 childcare bill.

Example Savings for a Massachusetts Family

1 child, married filing jointly, $24,600/year in daycare. Proposed 2026 OBBA rates.

Income (AGI)	Federal	FSA	Total
$30K	$1,290	$983	$2,273
$50K	$990	$983	$1,973
$75K	$600	$1,483	$2,083
$100K	$600	$1,483	$2,083

Federal rates: proposed OBBA 2026 schedule (50% max). FSA: $5,000 pre-tax, savings include FICA 7.65%. State credit calculations are approximate.

Questions About Massachusetts Childcare Tax Benefits

Does Massachusetts have a childcare tax credit?

Massachusetts does not offer a state childcare tax credit. Your savings come from the federal CDCTC (up to $3,000 proposed for 2026) and a Dependent Care FSA ($1,250-$1,900/year savings). Combined, families can save $1,850-$3,400/year.

How much does daycare cost in Massachusetts?

Full-time infant center-based care in Massachusetts averages $2,050/month ($24,600/year). Costs vary by city. See our Massachusetts 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.

More for Massachusetts Parents

Massachusetts Daycare Costs

City-by-city rates

Massachusetts Subsidy Eligibility

CCDF income limits

Interactive Tax Calculator

See your exact savings

Affordability Calculator

% of income going to childcare

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