PARENT/GUARDIAN INFORMATION FORM REGARDING FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE - Income Tax Credits and Child Care Subsidy Steps

Sep 19, 2026

Parent/guardian information sheet explaining how families may receive financial assistance related to child care and music education. The form outlines program cost structure, then guides families through Step 1 and Step 2 of the financial process. It summarizes federal Child Tax Credit and Earned Income Tax Credit, then details Maine dependent care tax credits linked to federal credits and Quality Certificates, including refund limits. It also describes Maine’s Child Care Subsidy Program eligibility, required activities, and application submission methods.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryLetters

FormatPDF

Pages7

Reading Time3 min

AccessFree to download

Parent/Guardian Information Form Regarding Financial Assistance

Program Cost and Assistance Overview

Step 1: Federal Child Tax Credit and State Tax Credits

Dependent Care Tax Credit (Maine)

Quality Certificates

Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC)

Step 2: Maine's Child Care Subsidy Program

Eligibility Requirements

How to Apply

PARENT/GUARDIAN INFORMATION FORM REGARDING FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE Welcome to the exciting new path you have chosen for your child. We are anticipating many great things along the way, and know that we all are on the journey together! As you may know the cost of the program is $60/per child for three days and $90/per child for the full week, per week, which is a huge deal if you have ever priced out the cost of a music education of this level. This cost consists of a nutritional snack, recreational time, individualized and/or group homework support, and a music education that will eventually lead to private and group lessons of an orchestral instrument. Each section of these programs will be taught by an educated and experienced teachers that will be supported by individuals educated and trained in an area to help enrich your child’s participation in this program. This is a wonderful opportunity to not only allow your child a safe haven but be allowed to participate in a program to better the whole child and their family. Of course we understand that sometimes families need help and so we have provided this informational sheet to take advantage of the programs and tax credits they are eligible for. We ask you to start at Step 1 , and proceed through the steps of the financial process. We also would like your help as we are looking into the reimbursement through the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) and would appreciate your help to fill our the Income Eligibility Forms. 1. CHILD TAX CREDIT through the Federal Government while filing your IRS taxes The Child Tax Credit is an important tax credit for working families. If you believe that you are eligible for this program please contact your CPA or tax accountant for more information. We will provide you with the proper paperwork you will need upon request. Here is some information regarding the state tax credits: Dependent Care Tax Credit The Maine dependent care state tax credit is equal to 25% of the federal credit for child and dependent care expenses. The credit doubles if the expenses are related to a quality child care provider. This credit is also refundable up to $500. The Maine legislature passed a law that expands the income tax credit for child care expenses. A Maine taxpayer who enrolls a child ina child care center or home with a Quality Certificate is eligible for a double child care tax credit on their state income tax return. An individual is allowed a credit against the tax otherwise due in the amount of 25% of the federal tax credit allowable for child and dependent care. In the new law, this credit doubles in amount if the child care expenses were incurred through the use of programs with Quality Certificates. The credit may result in a refund of up to $500. To qualify for the double tax credit, the number from the child care provider's Quality Certificate will need to be entered on a Maine State Income Tax Return. This is not the number on a child care license, but the 3 digit number on a Quality Certificate. Revised 8/1/2018 1 Quality Certificates The Maine legislature passed a law that expands the income tax credit for child care expenses. A Maine taxpayer who enrolls a child ina child care center or home with a Quality Certificate is eligible for a double child care tax credit on their state income tax return. Currently an individual is allowed a credit against the tax otherwise due in the amount of 25% of the federal tax credit allowable for child and dependent care. In the new law, this credit doubles in amount if the child care expenses were incurred through the use of quality child care. The credit may result in a refund of up to $500. Snow Pond Arts After School Program is currently working towards a Quality Certificate to make our program eligible for the double tax credit on the state income tax return. Earned Income Tax Credit While the Earned Income Tax Credit is not directly related to child care, it is a way

FAQs

What federal tax credit information does the form provide for families?

The form explains the Child Tax Credit for working families when filing IRS taxes and directs eligible families to contact a CPA or tax accountant. It also summarizes the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) for eligible low-income families with earned income under $32,121 and notes it is refundable.

How does Maine’s dependent care tax credit work, and what determines qualification?

The form states Maine’s dependent care state tax credit equals 25% of the federal credit and may double for expenses tied to a quality child care provider. It explains that the credit may result in a refund up to $500 and that a 3-digit number from a Quality Certificate is required on the Maine State Income Tax Return.

What is the Maine Child Care Subsidy Program and how can families apply?

The form describes the Child Care Subsidy Program as support for eligible families to pay for child care so they can work, go to school, or take job training. It lists eligibility income guidelines and activities, then provides application options including visiting a local DHHS office, applying online via MyMaineConnection, and submitting the Child Care Subsidy Program Application by fax, email, or mail.

Sep 19, 2026

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