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Paying for Child Care

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Paying for Child Care

Paying for good child care can be a struggle. In fact, child care is probably the second largest expense in your budget after rent or mortgage. This cost can vary depending on the age of the child, location, and type of care desired.

Local Subsidy Programs

Are you Native Hawaiian?  Living on Molokai, in Hana, Upcountry or Central Maui?

You may qualify for a subsidy via MFSS (Maui Family Support Services). SEE IF YOU QUALIFY

You have other options

Some employers (or colleges, if you are a student) provide child care scholarships, discounts, or on-site child care at reduced rates.
Head start and early head start
Find out what tax programs you might be eligible for to assist you with your child care needs.
You may be able to lower your taxes and even get up to several thousand dollars back if you qualify for the EITC. To qualify you must be working full or part-time and make less than a certain amount based upon family size. You don’t have to owe any taxes to get the EITC.

If you have a child under 13 and owe federal income taxes, this tax credit can help cover a portion or all of the taxes you owe if you qualify.

Your employer may offer this program which allows you to have money taken out of your paycheck tax-free and put into a special account to be used for child care tuition reimbursement. The main purpose of this type of program is to lower the amount of taxes you have to pay during the year. However, you can’t claim any money you put into this account for the Child and Dependent Child Tax Credit (described above).

The IRS Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program helps low-income workers complete their tax forms. For more information on VITA and other tax related questions CALL 1-800-829-1040.
To get more information call the State of Hawaii’s Dept. of Taxation on Oahu: 587-4242. Kauai: 247-3546, Hawaii: 974-6321, Maui: 984-8500 or the IRS at 1-800-829-3676 and request Form #596 Earned Income Credit and Form #503 Child and Dependent Care Expenses, or ask your tax accountant.

You can also visit the IRS website at www.irs.gov or the State of Hawaii’s Dept. of Taxation website at www.hawaii.gov/tax

These are federally funded programs that provide free child care and other services to help meet the health and school readiness needs of eligible children.

Most, but not all, families who access Head Start or Early Head Start must have incomes that meet federal poverty guidelines. Statewide conacts for Head Start programs are listed below:
Kauai