Article: 50284
Overview
Form 3506 is used to claim the California Child and Dependent Care Expenses Credit. You may be eligible for this credit if you (and your spouse or registered domestic partner, if applicable) paid for care provided in California for a qualifying child or dependent while you were working or actively seeking employment.
Eligibility for the credit requires that you have earned income. If you received dependent care benefits but do not meet the requirements for the credit, it is not necessary to complete Form 3506.
Add Form 3506
To add the Form 3506:
- Go to the State taxes section.
- Select I’d like to see the forms I’ve filled out or search for a form.
- In the drop list, select California.
- Select the Credits tab.
- Select 3506 – Child and Dependent Care Expenses Credit to add and open the form.
- Complete the form with your applicable information.
- Click Save to apply changes.
Child and Dependent Care Expenses Error
Unlike the federal Form 2441, California’s Form 3506 requires your care provider’s SSN or EIN for e-filing. If your provider hasn’t given you this information—and you’ve indicated that on your federal return—you’ll receive an error when trying to e-file your California return.
To e-file your California return with Form 3506, you must enter the care provider’s SSN or EIN.
If your provider refuses to provide that information:
- You’ll need to print and paper-file your California return.
- On Form 3506, write “REFUSED” in the provider ID field.
Further Information
See Form FTB 3506 instructions for more information.