# # Guidelines: # - 50-70 words (AI Overviews cite 50-70 word blocks most reliably — shorter gets skipped) # - Start with a direct answer sentence containing a specific number or fact # - Include at least 2 specific data points (dollar amounts, percentages, comparisons) # - Include location/context where applicable # - End with a personal-context hook ("use the calculator below to...") # - Do NOT use for H2s that label interactive form sections (calculator inputs, results) # - DO use for H2s that pose or imply a question readers would search for %>

Ohio families paying $950/month for daycare can save $2,000-$4,500/year by stacking the federal CDCTC, the state credit (100% of federal (dollar-for-dollar match)), and a Dependent Care FSA. The state credit is non-refundable.

Ohio Childcare Tax Credit & Savings Calculator (2026)

Full-time daycare in Ohio averages $950/month ($11,400/year). Here's what you can claim back.

Avg. Daycare Cost

$950/mo

Ohio, center-based infant care

Federal Credit (CDCTC)

up to $3,000

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

Ohio State Credit

100% of federal (dollar-for-dollar match)

Non-refundable

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

Ohio Childcare Tax Credit Details (2026)

Credit Type

100% of federal (dollar-for-dollar match)

Refundable?

No — reduces your state tax bill but won't generate a refund

Stacks With

Federal CDCTC + Dependent Care FSA. All three can be claimed together.

Example Savings for a Ohio Family

1 child, married filing jointly, $11,400/year in daycare. Proposed 2026 OBBA rates.

Income (AGI)	Federal	OH	FSA	Total
$30K	$1,290	$1,290	$983	$3,563
$50K	$990	$990	$983	$2,963
$75K	$600	$600	$1,483	$2,683
$100K	$600	$600	$1,483	$2,683

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 Ohio Childcare Tax Benefits

How much is Ohio's childcare tax credit worth?

Ohio's childcare tax credit is 100% of federal (dollar-for-dollar match). It is non-refundable, so it reduces your state tax bill but will not generate a refund. This stacks on top of the federal CDCTC and FSA savings.

How much does daycare cost in Ohio?

Full-time infant center-based care in Ohio averages $950/month ($11,400/year). Costs vary by city. See our Ohio 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 Ohio Parents

Ohio Daycare Costs

City-by-city rates

Ohio Subsidy Eligibility

CCDF income limits

Interactive Tax Calculator

See your exact savings

Affordability Calculator

% of income going to childcare

Embed this calculator

Add this free calculator to your website or blog — no signup required.

<iframe
  src="https://daycarecalc.com/childcare-tax-calculator/ohio?embed=true&utm_source=embed&utm_medium=iframe&utm_campaign=widget"
  title="Ohio Childcare Tax Credit & Savings Calculator (2026)"
  width="100%"
  height="520"
  style="border:none; border-radius:8px; box-shadow:0 1px 4px rgba(0,0,0,.12);"
  loading="lazy"
  allowtransparency="true"
></iframe>