For open enrollment I have to decide between a $5000 maximum pretax deduction for dependent care or taking the child care credit which I understand to be between 20-30% of expenses depending on income. At 20% I do better with the pretax savings, but at 30% the credit is a better deal. How do I determine the percentage credit for my particular income level? Is there a chart I can refer to?

My wife and I both have full-time job, we are hiring someone taking care of our 10 months old son for the last 7 months and paid the babysit cash, we have no receipt from her. Can I claim child care credit on my tax retrurn if I don’t have any receipt from the babysit?
If the babysit does not want to claim this money as her income, and does not want to provide SSN and receipt to me. Can I still file for child-care credit on my return?

I am single mom to a 2 yr old. My ex has no contact with our daughter, but he does pay support. I work full-time and go to college full-time and pay childcare costs. Should I claim 2 or just 1. Also, does anyone know what I would get back since I do pay all child care costs. Would support factor into any of this? Thanks!

Single Parents and Credit Scores www.videocreditscore.com

3/30 Tax Tips: How to claim child care credit
Did you pay someone to care for a child, spouse, or dependent last year? If so, you may be able to claim the Child and Dependent Care Credit on your federal income tax return. Below are the top 10 things the IRS wants you to know about claiming a credit for child and dependent care expenses.
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It is my understanding that a daycare provider must be licensed to be able to get a tax credit or use the Dependant Care benefit through work. But I hear of people using the social security number to get the credit even though they are not licensed. Is this legal?