To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to establish a refundable credit for qualified child care startup expenses.

Expanding Child Care Access Act of 2025

This bill establishes a temporary (for seven years) refundable tax credit for certain expenses incurred to establish and operate a qualified family child care provider. (Conditions and limitations apply.)

Under the bill, a qualified family child care provider is a child care provider that  

• provides child care services at the taxpayer's primary residence for at least two children (other than the children of such taxpayer) for a significant portion of the tax year,
• receives compensation for such child care services, and
• is licensed or registered to provide such child care services by the state in which such services are provided.

The bill allows a taxpayer that operates a qualified family child care provider to claim a tax credit of up to $5,000 for

• child care licensing fees;
• child care supplies (e.g., diapers, food, toys, and learning materials);
• liability insurance;
• fencing (including installation costs);
• outdoor playground equipment (including installation costs);
• furniture necessary to provide child care;
• the salary of an employee (other than the taxpayer);
• printers and computers;
• professional training required by the state for licensing or registration; and
• remediation or renovation of a primary residence to meet state licensing or registration requirements.

The tax credit may only be claimed once and may not be claimed for expenses for which another tax deduction or tax credit is allowed.

Finally, the bill requires the Internal Revenue Service to issue guidance on the tax credit, including guidance related to information reporting requirements.