210,000 families can see lower child care costs with expanded PA child tax credit

Gov. Josh Shapiro signed an expansion of the Childcare Tax Credit into law last December and it can benefit up to 210,000 Pennsylvania families. Families can see up to a 233% tax credit increase. 

Pennsylvania families may get some much needed relief this time of year thanks to the commonwealth expanding its Childcare Tax Credit program for the first time in 30 years last December. 

The child tax credit expansion was signed into law by Gov. Josh Shapiro and close to 210,000 families are eligible for the credit. 

“We’re making a real difference for Pennsylvania families and putting money back in their pockets. It’s just one more example of how, even in divided times, we’re working together and getting stuff done,” Shapiro said at a press conference in Lackawanna County earlier this year. 

The Childrecare Tax Credit is available to Pennsylvania residents at the state level and is based on the federal Child and Dependent Tax Credit, and in order to be eligible for the state credit, taxpayers must receive the federal credit. 

The maximum credit is $1,050 for one child and $2,100 for two or more children, while the minimum credit is $600 for one child and $1,200 for two or more children. 

The maximum credit for one child used to be $315 or $630 for two or more children.  Thanks to the expansion, Pennsylvania families could see a 233% increase in their tax credit from the previous year.