About DependentCareFSA.com

DependentCareFSA.com is an independent, plain-English resource about the Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account — the employer “cafeteria plan” benefit that helps working parents and caregivers pay for child or dependent care with pre-tax dollars.

What we are — and aren't

We are an informational site and a free calculator. We are not a benefits administrator, not affiliated with the IRS or any employer, and nothing here is tax, legal, or financial advice. Plan rules are set by individual employers within federal limits, so always confirm specifics with your own plan document, HR team, or a qualified tax professional before making decisions.

How we source our numbers

Every dollar figure and percentage on this site — contribution limits, tax credit rates, state tax rates — is sourced directly from primary sources: IRS publications and topics, and, for the 2026 legislative changes, coverage from established tax and benefits publications cross-checked against IRS guidance. We link to the primary source at the bottom of every page that cites a specific figure.

How we keep this current

IRS contribution limits, tax credit rules, and state tax rates change — sometimes annually, sometimes mid-cycle through new legislation. We review and update the figures on this site each year ahead of open enrollment season, and sooner when a change like the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) is significant enough to warrant it. If you spot something that looks out of date, we want to know.

Our approach to the savings calculator

The calculator on this site is a simplified estimate: it applies your selected federal bracket, optional state rate, and FICA to your contribution amount. It does not model the full complexity of the tax code — phase-outs, itemized deductions, the interaction with the Dependent Care Tax Credit, or state-specific conformity rules. Treat the output as a starting point for your own planning, not a substitute for a real tax calculation.