Is It Worth Going Back to Work?
Calculate your real take-home pay after childcare costs
Your Income
$
Childcare Details
How Childcare Costs Compare
38+
states where infant care exceeds college tuition
45+
states where care for 2 kids exceeds mortgage payments
0
states meet the 7% affordability standard for infant care
Tax Credits That Can Help
Child & Dependent Care Tax Credit
Claim 20-35% of up to $3,000 for one child or $6,000 for two or more. Maximum credit: $1,050 (1 child) or $2,100 (2+ children). Non-refundable - reduces your tax bill but can't result in a refund.
Dependent Care FSA
Set aside up to $5,000 pre-tax per year ($7,500 starting 2026) for childcare expenses. Saves on both income tax and FICA taxes. Must be offered by your employer. Use it or lose it by year-end.
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Plan Your Maternity Leave Timeline
Combine FMLA, state paid leave, short-term disability, and PTO into a personalized week-by-week leave timeline. Know exactly when your childcare needs to start.
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Calculate Your Baby's First Year Costs
Childcare is just one piece of the puzzle. Get a full cost estimate for diapers, feeding, gear, medical care, and more.
Related Tools
This calculator provides estimates for informational purposes only. Tax calculations are simplified and may not reflect your exact situation. Childcare costs are statewide averages and vary by provider and location. Consult a tax professional for personalized advice.