How to Get Reimbursed for Summer Camp Fees From a Dependent Care FSA

Enrolling in a dependent-care flexible spending account (FSA) is generally a smart move for most taxpayers. It's a great way to pay for the things that you normally would, such as summer camp, and get a little tax break just for planning ahead. There are drawbacks to using an FSA, however, so it's important to evaluate your own situation before enrolling in one.

Instructions

1. Meet the requirements. You must qualify under certain guidelines to use a dependent FSA. You must be responsible for the care of a child, disabled spouse or elderly parent to qualify. People who work from home may not qualify to use a dependent FSA, since it's primarily to cover the care of the dependent while the taxpayer is at work or in school.

2. Build up enough money in your dependent-care FSA. Unlike with a medical FSA, you must have the right amount of money in your dependent-care FSA before you can claim. So if your summer camp fees are $1000 and you have only $500 in your FSA account, you can't claim the fees on your FSA.

3. Make sure you child is the correct age. Dependent children 13 and under are eligible for the summer camp reimbursement program. So, if your child is over 13, you can't claim anything on your FSA.

4. Choose a day camp. The IRS reimburses for day camps, but not for overnight camps. The reason is that a day camp allows the parent or guardian to attend school or work while her child is in the program, whereas an overnight camp doesn't offer the same convenience. So choosing the right summer camp can make all the difference when it comes to filing a claim on your FSA.