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FAQs

Most Popular Questions

My spouse has an FSA program offered by their employer. Can I still contribute the full $7,500 to the DCFSA even if my spouse is contributing to a DCFSA as well?

No. Per IRS rules, the total that each family can elect for a Dependent Care FSA (DCFSA) must not exceed $7,500 per household ($3,750 each if married and filing separately). Therefore, you must ensure that you and your spouse limit your individual elections to total no more than $7,500 combined.

A DCFSA allows you to be reimbursed on a pre-tax basis for child or dependent care expenses for qualified dependents so you or your spouse can go to work, look for work, or your spouse attend school full-time.

You (and your spouse if you are married) must have earned income during the year; unless your spouse attend school full-time.

Under Internal Revenue Code Section 129 (see sections 129(a)(2)(A) and 129(b)(1)), the maximum amount that can be elected for a DCFSA is limited to the lesser of:

  • $7,500 for single individuals or married couples filing joint returns;
  • $3,750 for married couples filing separate returns,
  • The employee's earned income (if less than $7,500/$3,750) or
  • The spouse's earned income (if less than $7,500/$3,750).