How does private school tuition (pre-K and K) work with FSA and taxes?

[Anonymous]

My daughter is moving from a daycare situation to a Montessori school for Pre-K. I realize the dependent care flexible spending account and any childcare credit on the taxes are for childcare needed so the parent can work but I assume if you are opting to send your child to private school instead of public school that wouldn't be a deductible childcare expense. So I guess I have two questions - is a Montessori school 9-3 pre-K program eligible for childcare deduction and FSA or is it only the before and after-care and does paying the tuition all at once make a difference versus paying it by semester in terms of when you can claim things for taxes and FSA?

Thanks for any clarity on this. I have to decide about the tuition payment very soon.

[Anonymous]

I believe that FSA can be used for both daycare and preschool IF your daughter still meets the criteria for being an eligible dependent and both parents are still working (or are full-time students). Once your child reaches kindergarten, however, you will only be able to use your FSA for non-school custodial care, which I believe would include before and after-care even if provided at and by the school. The school should be able to confirm this for you.

[Anonymous]

www.fsafeds.com

What expenses are eligible for reimbursement with a DCFSA?
You can use the DCFSA to pay eligible expenses for care of your dependent children under age 13, or for a person of any age whom you claim as a dependent on your federal income tax return and who is mentally or physically incapable of caring for himself or herself.
Examples of eligible services include:

Placement fees for a dependent care provider, such as an au pair
Before and after-school care (other than tuition expenses)
Care of an incapacitated adult who lives with you at least eight hours a day
Childcare at a day camp, nursery school, or by a private sitter
Late pick-up fees
Expenses for a housekeeper whose duties include caring for an eligible dependent
Summer or holiday day camps, including registration fees
Activities in lieu of daycare when the fees associated with the activity are incidental to, or cannot be separated from, the cost of care (swimming lessons, arts and crafts, music lessons, etc.)

What expenses are NOT eligible for reimbursement by a DCFSA?
Examples of ineligible DCFSA expenses include:
Education or tuition fees
Expenses for children age 13 and older
Late payment fees
Overnight camps
Payment for services not yet provided (*payment in advance)
Field trips, clothing and food
Transportation to and from the dependent care provider

[Anonymous]

Yes, but the question is does preschool tuition meet the test for "education tuition" -- is it enough different from daycare or is it a semantic difference in the eyes of the IRS. Kindergarten tuition is definitely not covered, but preschool is more of a question.

[Anonymous]

Childcare at a day camp, nursery school, or by a private sitter