A Dependent Care FSA has its own separate limit from a health FSA, and a household limit that applies across both spouses combined if each has access through a separate employer.
How it works
Tax savings apply to the lesser of the contribution or the current-year limit, multiplied by the marginal tax rate. Any amount contributed above the limit is a real excess with no additional tax benefit.
What this does not include
This doesn’t verify eligible dependent care expenses were actually incurred — a Dependent Care FSA reimburses actual care costs for a qualifying dependent, and unused contributions are still subject to the same use-it-or-lose-it risk this site’s FSA vs. HSA calculator discusses.
How to use this calculator
- Enter your planned contribution and the current-year limit for your filing status.
- Enter your combined marginal tax rate.
Frequently asked questions
Can both spouses each contribute the full limit?
No — per the source, the combined household total across both spouses’ employers cannot exceed the joint limit, even if each has separate access through a different employer.
What happens to unused Dependent Care FSA funds?
Subject to use-it-or-lose-it rules, similar to a health FSA, though some employer plans offer a grace period or limited carryover.
Is this the same as the Child and Dependent Care Tax Credit?
No — that’s a separate tax credit computed on the tax return; expenses reimbursed through a Dependent Care FSA generally can’t also be claimed for that credit.
