PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — Members of the Pennsylvania House Delegation visited the Early Learning Literacy Academy in Philadelphia Thursday to discuss the expansion of one of Pennsylvania’s tax credit programs.
Pennsylvania’s Child and Dependent Care Tax Credit was created to help ease the costs for working families. Eligible families can claim the credit when they file tax returns.
And now, since the state's credit is the same as the federal credit, Pennsylvania will provide a 100% match to the tax credit. It was previously 30%.
Households with two or more children will see a state credit of up to $2,100 — and households with one child, up to $1,050. According to the Department of Revenue, the credit cap phases down as income levels increase.
State Representative Morgan Cephas says childcare plays a pivotal role in the lives of working parents.
“For millions of families across the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, particularly here in the City of Philadelphia when we are dealing with a startling 25% poverty rate, access to reliable and affordable childcare is not just a convenience, it's a lifeline,” Cephas said.
Latoya Monroe, owner and director of the Early Learning Literacy Academy, says working just to be able to afford childcare is no way to live.
“The tireless effort that the Pennsylvania House delegation put in to increase this child tax credit will undoubtedly improve the quality of life for many families.”
More than 27,000 working Philadelphians will see their tax credit triple for daycare costs when they file their taxes this year.
To find out if you qualify, click here.