Childcare Tax Break Breakdown

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In this quick-hit episode, Greg and Doug break down three timely topics every employer should track:

• Federal shutdown implications for childcare: potential CCDBG disruptions, what’s likely, and how to support employees if subsidies pause or payments lag.
• The Child Care Modernization Act (SB 2828): bipartisan momentum, key provisions to fix provider payment rates, increase supply, and support mixed-delivery care—and why appropriations still matter.
• Colorado’s playbook: why the state ranks high on family resources, and market lessons on aligning employers, providers, government, and tech to actually move the needle.

Why it matters: Childcare is workforce infrastructure. When care is unavailable or unaffordable, employers lose talent and productivity. Get the signals to watch and practical moves to prepare.

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Thank you for joining us on 'Childcare Tax Break Breakdown'! If you found our deep dive into childcare benefit programs insightful, please consider subscribing for more valuable discussions. For further information, questions, or to share your experiences with childcare benefits, DM Doug or myself here on LinkedIn. Stay tuned for our next episode, where we'll explore more current and upcoming childcare grants and tax programs employers can take advantage of. Don't forget to leave us a review and share this episode with your colleagues. Together, let's make the most of workplace benefits and tax breaks!

Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational purposes only and shouldn't be seen as financial or legal advice. Tax rules change and can be complex, so it's always a good idea to check with a professional for your specific needs. We're not responsible for how this information is used.

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New Mexico just became the first state to offer FREE childcare to everyone. Iowa gave $14M to businesses to figure it out themselves. Which approach actually works?

In Episode 16, Greg and Doug break down two radically different approaches to America's childcare crisis after spending a week on the road with employers facing real challenges.

What you'll learn:

• How New Mexico's $1B universal childcare program works (and why it might fail)
• Iowa's $16,000-per-slot business grant model - the math behind it
• The distribution center paradox: when workers start at 6AM but daycares can't legally open until 6AM
• Why a state chamber told us "even with all our influence, we can't solve this alone"
• The "grandparent economy" - unconventional supply solutions that actually work
• How one resort company with 4,500 employees admitted they were "designing blind"

Key insights:

• 76% of C-suite execs say childcare is their #1 workforce barrier
• Childcare costs 30% of income in destination communities (federal benchmark: 7%)
• New Mexico families save $12,000 per child annually starting November 1st
• Iowa needs 48,000 more slots but only created 874 in 3 years

Plus: Greg's Disneyland analogy that perfectly captures the supply problem, Doug's take on whether $18/hour is enough for childcare workers, and why they might have a fourth kid if childcare was actually free.

Perfect for: HR leaders, benefits professionals, employers struggling with recruitment/retention, and anyone trying to understand how childcare became America's biggest workforce crisis.

Support the show

Thank you for joining us on 'Childcare Tax Break Breakdown'! If you found our deep dive into childcare benefit programs insightful, please consider subscribing for more valuable discussions. For further information, questions, or to share your experiences with childcare benefits, DM Doug or myself here on LinkedIn. Stay tuned for our next episode, where we'll explore more current and upcoming childcare grants and tax programs employers can take advantage of. Don't forget to leave us a review and share this episode with your colleagues. Together, let's make the most of workplace benefits and tax breaks!

Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational purposes only and shouldn't be seen as financial or legal advice. Tax rules change and can be complex, so it's always a good idea to check with a professional for your specific needs. We're not responsible for how this information is used.

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We dive into the enhanced employer-provided child care tax credit hidden in the "One Big Beautiful Bill Act" and why ignoring this opportunity is benefits malpractice for employers seeking to attract and retain talent.

• The employer-provided child care tax credit (45F) is increasing from $150,000 to $500,000 for large businesses and $600,000 for small businesses starting January 1, 2026
• Large businesses can now receive 40% back and small businesses 50% back on qualified child care expenditures
• The new legislation clarifies that employers can use third-party intermediaries and don't need to build or operate their own facilities
• Small businesses can pool resources to implement shared child care programs
• Payments must go directly from employer to provider, not through employee accounts
• Properly structured benefits can help reduce an employee's annual child care costs from $15,000 to $5,900 with just a $3,000 employer contribution
• The program can be stacked with state tax credits, Dependent Care FSAs (now $7,500), and the Child and Dependent Care Tax Credit
• Companies have roughly six months to design and implement programs to take advantage of this credit starting in 2026

Support the show

Thank you for joining us on 'Childcare Tax Break Breakdown'! If you found our deep dive into childcare benefit programs insightful, please consider subscribing for more valuable discussions. For further information, questions, or to share your experiences with childcare benefits, DM Doug or myself here on LinkedIn. Stay tuned for our next episode, where we'll explore more current and upcoming childcare grants and tax programs employers can take advantage of. Don't forget to leave us a review and share this episode with your colleagues. Together, let's make the most of workplace benefits and tax breaks!

Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational purposes only and shouldn't be seen as financial or legal advice. Tax rules change and can be complex, so it's always a good idea to check with a professional for your specific needs. We're not responsible for how this information is used.

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In this episode, Greg and Doug discuss the recent developments in backup care and childcare tax credits across Georgia, Missouri, and at the federal level. They explore the implications of these changes for employers and families, the inefficiencies of current backup care programs, and introduce a new model called Care Cash that aims to provide more value to employees. The conversation highlights the need for better alignment between childcare benefits and the actual needs of families.

takeaways

• Backup care is essential for employees to manage childcare emergencies.
• Georgia has introduced a new childcare tax credit to support employers.
• Missouri is considering a childcare contribution tax credit to address shortages.
• Federal tax credits for childcare are being expanded to provide more support.
• Backup care programs often fail to meet the needs of employees in rural areas.
• Many employees use out-of-network providers due to lack of local facilities.
• Current backup care models can lead to significant financial waste for employers.
• The reimbursement rates for out-of-network care are often much lower than expected.
• Care Cash is a new model designed to provide direct value to employees.
• Employers need to be aware of the complexities of childcare benefits across states.

Support the show

Thank you for joining us on 'Childcare Tax Break Breakdown'! If you found our deep dive into childcare benefit programs insightful, please consider subscribing for more valuable discussions. For further information, questions, or to share your experiences with childcare benefits, DM Doug or myself here on LinkedIn. Stay tuned for our next episode, where we'll explore more current and upcoming childcare grants and tax programs employers can take advantage of. Don't forget to leave us a review and share this episode with your colleagues. Together, let's make the most of workplace benefits and tax breaks!

Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational purposes only and shouldn't be seen as financial or legal advice. Tax rules change and can be complex, so it's always a good idea to check with a professional for your specific needs. We're not responsible for how this information is used.

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Welcome to Episode 12 of the Tax Break Breakdown with your hosts, Greg and Doug. After a few months' hiatus, we're back with some important updates and discussions on childcare tax credits and their implications for both employers and employees.

Key Highlights:

Personal Update:

• Greg's New Baby: Greg shared the exciting news of welcoming his new baby boy, Sawyer, three months ago. He expressed gratitude for the generous paid leave policy at their company, Upwards, which allowed him to take three months off—a stark contrast to the limited leave he had with his first two children.

Childcare Crisis:

• Ongoing Issues: The childcare crisis remains a significant issue, regardless of political changes. We emphasized the importance of not solely relying on the government to solve this problem and highlighted the need for sustainable models involving multiple stakeholders.

Election Impact:

• Legislative Shifts: We discussed the potential impacts of the recent election results on childcare policies. While some initiatives like capping childcare spend to 7% of income may face challenges, there is hope for bipartisan support at the state level.

State-Level Initiatives:

• West Virginia: House Bill 226 established a state-level child and dependent care tax credit, benefiting around 16,000 families. This credit is non-refundable and can reduce tax liability to zero but does not result in a refund.
• Florida: Starting October 1st, employers in Florida can apply for tax credits to support childcare facilities or payments. This program offers significant credits, up to $1 million, for creating or maintaining childcare facilities and paying for employee childcare.

Practical Insights:

• Employer Strategies: We provided practical advice for employers on how to navigate and take advantage of these tax credits. From helping employees find care to implementing prepaid backup care programs, there are various ways to support employees without incurring prohibitive costs.

Application Details:

• Florida Tax Credit Application: We detailed the application process for Florida's tax credit program, including the necessary information and the cap of $3,600 per eligible child per year. Unused credits can be carried forward for up to five years, and credits can be transferred within affiliated groups.

Final Thoughts:

• Layering Benefits: We emphasized the importance of layering federal and state benefits to maximize support for childcare. Our company, Upwards, plays a crucial role in helping employers navigate these complex programs.

Thank you for tuning in to this episode of the Tax Break Breakdown. We look forward to bringing you more insights and updates in our next episode. Until then, take care!

Support the show

Thank you for joining us on 'Childcare Tax Break Breakdown'! If you found our deep dive into childcare benefit programs insightful, please consider subscribing for more valuable discussions. For further information, questions, or to share your experiences with childcare benefits, DM Doug or myself here on LinkedIn. Stay tuned for our next episode, where we'll explore more current and upcoming childcare grants and tax programs employers can take advantage of. Don't forget to leave us a review and share this episode with your colleagues. Together, let's make the most of workplace benefits and tax breaks!

Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational purposes only and shouldn't be seen as financial or legal advice. Tax rules change and can be complex, so it's always a good idea to check with a professional for your specific needs. We're not responsible for how this information is used.

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Welcome to Episode 11 of the Child Care Tax Break Breakdown podcast with hosts Greg and Doug! In this episode, they discuss the challenges of finding child care, the impact of child care shortages, and solutions implemented in Vermont and Japan.

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In Vermont, a new $125 million annual investment aims to stabilize the workforce, create a more affordable Vermont, and expand financial assistance eligibility for families. They discuss the funding source, a new payroll tax on employers, and the benefits it will bring to families and early childhood educators.

In Japan, a child rearing support fund financed by higher health insurance premiums is set to tackle declining birth rates. The allowance coverage will be extended, income limits removed, and benefits increased for parents and young carers.

The hosts also touch on the disappointing response to a question about child care at a presidential debate and the ongoing efforts of Moms First to advocate for child care issues.

Tune in to learn more about these important topics and stay informed about the latest developments in child care policy and support. Don't forget to like, share, and subscribe for more insightful discussions on child care tax breaks!

Support the show

Thank you for joining us on 'Childcare Tax Break Breakdown'! If you found our deep dive into childcare benefit programs insightful, please consider subscribing for more valuable discussions. For further information, questions, or to share your experiences with childcare benefits, DM Doug or myself here on LinkedIn. Stay tuned for our next episode, where we'll explore more current and upcoming childcare grants and tax programs employers can take advantage of. Don't forget to leave us a review and share this episode with your colleagues. Together, let's make the most of workplace benefits and tax breaks!

Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational purposes only and shouldn't be seen as financial or legal advice. Tax rules change and can be complex, so it's always a good idea to check with a professional for your specific needs. We're not responsible for how this information is used.

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On our 10th episode of the Childcare Tax Break Breakdown we discuss a potential new bill introduced at the federal level, the Child Care for American Families Act, H.R. 8540. The bill aims to enhance the Employer Child Care Tax Credit, increasing the general percentage for qualified childcare expenditures to 40%. For small businesses with 500 or fewer employees, the bill proposes a 50% credit on expenditures. The bill also sets a cap at 60% of expenditures for rural and low-income areas, incentivizing employers to offer more childcare services. Additionally, the bill suggests increasing the annual cap on qualified expenses to $2 million and the total credit to $1.2 million. Businesses could claim the credit by pooling resources for childcare facilities, encouraging collaboration among small businesses. The bill's potential impact could significantly reduce the cost of childcare benefits programs for employers, making it more accessible and affordable. Greg and Doug highlight the importance of tracking this bill and other similar initiatives across states to support childcare affordability and accessibility.

Support the show

Thank you for joining us on 'Childcare Tax Break Breakdown'! If you found our deep dive into childcare benefit programs insightful, please consider subscribing for more valuable discussions. For further information, questions, or to share your experiences with childcare benefits, DM Doug or myself here on LinkedIn. Stay tuned for our next episode, where we'll explore more current and upcoming childcare grants and tax programs employers can take advantage of. Don't forget to leave us a review and share this episode with your colleagues. Together, let's make the most of workplace benefits and tax breaks!

Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational purposes only and shouldn't be seen as financial or legal advice. Tax rules change and can be complex, so it's always a good idea to check with a professional for your specific needs. We're not responsible for how this information is used.

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Ever wondered how effective childcare tax credits really are for employers and employees? Join us as we uncover the intricacies of Pennsylvania's House Bill 1958, which offers a 30% tax credit for employers contributing to childcare costs. Doug shares insights from his upcoming father-son trip to Dollywood before we dive into the pressing topic of childcare stipends and their impact. Through our analysis, we'll reveal why larger stipends don't always equate to better outcomes and how you can maximize the efficiency of these benefits to significantly reduce employee turnover.

Stick around as we discuss the optimal monthly stipend range of (listen to find out), showcasing how this sweet spot can provide the best return on investment for businesses. We'll also address the broader implications of balancing turnover rates with employee satisfaction and absenteeism, offering a holistic approach to workforce management. Plus, we're celebrating some exciting milestones with you, including surpassing 202 downloads and 601 LinkedIn newsletter subscribers. To wrap things up, we share a fun fact about our soccer backgrounds and wish you all a fantastic Thursday.

Tune in for these insights and more!

Support the show

Thank you for joining us on 'Childcare Tax Break Breakdown'! If you found our deep dive into childcare benefit programs insightful, please consider subscribing for more valuable discussions. For further information, questions, or to share your experiences with childcare benefits, DM Doug or myself here on LinkedIn. Stay tuned for our next episode, where we'll explore more current and upcoming childcare grants and tax programs employers can take advantage of. Don't forget to leave us a review and share this episode with your colleagues. Together, let's make the most of workplace benefits and tax breaks!

Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational purposes only and shouldn't be seen as financial or legal advice. Tax rules change and can be complex, so it's always a good idea to check with a professional for your specific needs. We're not responsible for how this information is used.

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As we navigate the heartfelt observances of Mother's Day and the National Day Without Child Care, we uncover the stark realities child care providers face every single day. From the grueling hours and low compensation to the burdensome costs of operations, our latest episode offers an eye-opening discussion on the dire need for systemic support in this crucial sector. The spotlight turns to Alabama's groundbreaking HB 358; a piece of legislation poised to make a considerable difference for child care through incentivized tax breaks. And we don't stop there – we also hint at the potential shortcomings of employer surveys in understanding the true child care needs of their workforce, a debate that's sure to capture your interest in episodes to come.

For those fascinated by the nitty-gritty of policy impact, our conversation moves into designing employer child care benefit programs that truly serve the needs of workers earning under $30 an hour. Tapping into the lived experiences of employees, we scrutinize how the over-reliance on surveys can lead to critical oversights, all while stressing the strategic importance of child care benefits in talent acquisition. Moreover, we go through Alabama's HB 358 with its tax break initiative for employers, laying out a roadmap for how targeted programs could boost workforce participation and improve the child care landscape in Alabama and beyond. Join us for this exploration of how legislation and employer action can intersect to support our communities' caregivers and working parents alike.

Support the show

Thank you for joining us on 'Childcare Tax Break Breakdown'! If you found our deep dive into childcare benefit programs insightful, please consider subscribing for more valuable discussions. For further information, questions, or to share your experiences with childcare benefits, DM Doug or myself here on LinkedIn. Stay tuned for our next episode, where we'll explore more current and upcoming childcare grants and tax programs employers can take advantage of. Don't forget to leave us a review and share this episode with your colleagues. Together, let's make the most of workplace benefits and tax breaks!

Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational purposes only and shouldn't be seen as financial or legal advice. Tax rules change and can be complex, so it's always a good idea to check with a professional for your specific needs. We're not responsible for how this information is used.

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Episode 7: Childcare Tax Credit Programs - A Deep Dive with Greg and Doug

Welcome back to the newly renamed Childcare Tax Break Breakdown, where we dissect the latest in childcare tax credits and benefits that employers can leverage. In this episode, we've covered a lot of ground, from state care policies to innovative employer strategies.

State Care Policy Report Cards

We kicked off with a discussion about The Century Foundation's report card on state care policies. No state scored an A, but some are making strides with Bs. Massachusetts, California, Colorado, Minnesota, and Oregon topped the list, while others lagged behind. The report card seems to be a wake-up call for states to improve their care infrastructure.

Michigan's Childcare Initiatives

Michigan is ahead of the game, surpassing its goal of creating 1,000 new childcare programs by 2025. The state's focus on recruiting staff, local incubation funds, and grants for new centers is a model for others to follow.

Oklahoma's Tax Credit for Family Caregivers

Oklahoma introduced a tax credit for family caregivers, a first of its kind, to alleviate some financial burdens. It's a step in the right direction, though the $1.5 million cap seems modest compared to the overall unpaid care provided in the state.

Georgia Expands Childcare Tax Credit

Georgia is making childcare more affordable by increasing the tax credit from $3,000 to $4,000 per dependent, which will result in about $50 in tax savings per child.

Alabama's Proposed Employer Incentives

Alabama is considering a bill that would provide tax credits to employers who offer childcare, aiming to boost workforce participation and address the staffing shortage in childcare providers.

Moms First and BCG Report

The highlight of our episode was the Moms First and Boston Consulting Group event at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. The report titled "The Employee Benefit That Pays for Itself" showcased how companies like Steamboat, Fast Retailing, UPS, Synchrony, and Etsy are offering childcare benefits with a positive ROI. Retaining just 1% of eligible employees can cover the cost of these benefits, and companies are seeing returns as high as 425%.

Employer Childcare Benefits

• Steamboat: Near-site childcare center with a 20% discount for employees.
• Fast Retailing: Monthly $1,000 stipend for childcare.
• UPS: Pilot program for emergency onsite childcare for hourly workers.
• Synchrony: 60 days of backup care annually, with a mix of reimbursement and vendor-provided care.
• Etsy: Up to $4,000 annually in backup care credits and a $1,000 annual work-life stipend.

Closing Thoughts

We wrapped up with a fun fact linking back to one of our earlier episodes about Colorado's employer-based childcare design lab, which Steamboat utilized. It's been a journey, and seeing the impact of these programs come full circle is truly rewarding.

Remember, folks, the time to invest in childcare benefits is now. The data is clear, and the returns are real. Until next time, keep breaking down those tax breaks and making a difference for working families.

Support the show

Thank you for joining us on 'Childcare Tax Break Breakdown'! If you found our deep dive into childcare benefit programs insightful, please consider subscribing for more valuable discussions. For further information, questions, or to share your experiences with childcare benefits, DM Doug or myself here on LinkedIn. Stay tuned for our next episode, where we'll explore more current and upcoming childcare grants and tax programs employers can take advantage of. Don't forget to leave us a review and share this episode with your colleagues. Together, let's make the most of workplace benefits and tax breaks!

Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational purposes only and shouldn't be seen as financial or legal advice. Tax rules change and can be complex, so it's always a good idea to check with a professional for your specific needs. We're not responsible for how this information is used.