Foster parents and kinship caregivers may be eligible to claim a tax deduction on certain foster care payments for children who have been placed in their care for more than half of the tax year.
Exceptions apply for a foster child who was born within the tax year; caregivers will need to check with their tax advisor for assistance in claiming these potential deductions.
Below are resources that can help determine eligibility and/or claim deductions:
• The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) 1-800-829-1040 or at www.irs.gov IRS publication 501 provides information on exemptions related to dependents and qualifying children.
• Copies of tax documents sent to the provider from DCYF can be obtained by the provider by logging into their provider portal. If the provider needs assistance setting up their provider portal, please have them contact the Provider Help Team at providerhelp@dcyf.wa.gov or via phone at 1-800-394-4571.
• If the provider believes the amount reported on their tax document is incorrect, they will need to contact the Provider Help Team at providerhelp@dcyf.wa.gov or via phone at 1- 800-394-4571.
• Questions regarding IRS correspondence the provider has received about DCYF payments can be directed to the DCYF Tax Desk at DCYF.taxreporting@dcyf.wa.gov or via phone at 1-833-725-3502 option 1.
• Other tax related questions can be directed to the DCYF Tax Desk at DCYF.taxreporting@dcyf.wa.gov or via phone at 1-833-725-3502 option 1.