Trying to find out how to get program to not tax dependent care benefit when spouse is not actually working but looking for a job. The info from this site did not work

[mcgfin]

I have a client whose husband is working and got some dependent child care benefits from his employer.  The spouse was not working but looking for a job.  The info to put a -1 in 2441 (o) did not work.  

[abctax55 · Accepted solution]

At the risk of the obvious....did you actually enter the day care expenses & the provider details?

[TaxGuyBill]

Did the spouse have any earned income?

There are TWO requirements for the spouse.  (1) They must be working or looking for work AND (2) they must have some earned income during the year.

If the spouse did not have any earned income, the dependent care benefit is not allowed and would be taxable.