Question

I have started paying my neighbor to watch my dd after school until I get home. It's only $30.00 a week but she doesn't pay taxes on it as it's "under the table". Would I be able to claim this amount without saying who I pay it to? She is under a ch 13 right now so if I listed her name, it might mess with her bankruptcy. I would rather not list this expense than to get her in any trouble. I know it's not much but every little bit helps. Do you have to prove "daycare" expenses?

In my opinion, I would just say, I pay a 'babysitter' to watch my child till I get home from work. Don't go farther and the little amount you mention, would not be questioned. 'Hub

I'd probably just leave it alone. You probably won't save much by claiming it. Or you can find out about how much you will save and ask her to take that much less each week. If you will save $7, you can ask if she'll accept $23. But if she's reliable and good with your kids, the tiny tax savings probably isn't worth rocking the boat for.