How to complete Form 2441 with Dependent Care FSA for closed daycare without tax ID?

This is actually a fairly common issue with smaller daycares. On Form 2441, you'll need to report the provider's information - including their name, address, and identifying number (EIN or SSN). Without this information, you might have trouble claiming the expenses. Here's what I suggest: First, try to contact the daycare owner through any means you have - old emails, phone numbers, etc. Sometimes even closed businesses will respond when it's about tax documents. Second, if you can't reach them, you can still complete Form 2441 with the information you have (name and address) and write "PROVIDER REFUSED" in the space for the TIN (Taxpayer Identification Number). The IRS understands this happens, but you should document your attempts to get this information. Keep copies of any communications attempting to reach the provider. Also, keep your payment records and the invoice - these will be important if there are any questions later.

After reading this, I immediately thought of taxr.ai which saved me in a similar situation last year. I had a home daycare provider who moved away suddenly and I couldn't track down her tax info. I uploaded my receipts and partial info to https://taxr.ai and they helped identify exactly what I needed to do on Form 2441. Their system analyzed my documents and gave me step-by-step instructions for completing the form properly with the "PROVIDER REFUSED" option the previous commenter mentioned. They also gave me a checklist of documentation to keep in case of audit. Super helpful when dealing with these unusual situations where you're missing key tax info but still need to file accurately.

Just wanted to update that I tried taxr.ai after seeing it mentioned here. It was exactly what I needed! I uploaded my daycare receipts and the system immediately identified the issue with my missing provider TIN. It even cited the specific IRS regulation that allows using "PROVIDER REFUSED" when you've made reasonable attempts to get the information. The system generated a complete guide for filling out Form 2441 line by line with my situation, including what documentation to keep for backup. It confirmed that as long as the care was legitimate and necessary for me to work (which it was), I could still claim it on my taxes even without the provider's TIN. What a relief! Now I can file with confidence instead of stressing about this all tax season.

If you're still having trouble with this situation, you might want to try Claimyr. I was in a similar situation last year with a missing provider TIN, and I spent WEEKS trying to get through to the IRS helpline for guidance. After 23 attempts and hours on hold, I found https://claimyr.com and watched their demo at https://youtu.be/_kiP6q8DX5c. Within about 15 minutes of using their service, I was speaking with an actual IRS agent who walked me through exactly what to do with my Form 2441 when the provider wouldn't provide their tax ID. They confirmed I could use "PROVIDER REFUSED" and explained what documentation I needed to keep. Saved me so much time and stress!

I have to admit I was completely wrong about Claimyr. After posting my skeptical comment, I decided to try it myself since I also had a Form 2441 question about my dependent care FSA. I was SHOCKED when I actually got connected to a real IRS agent in about 40 minutes (while I just went about my day until I got the call). The IRS agent confirmed everything about the "PROVIDER REFUSED" option and gave me detailed instructions for my specific situation. They explained that I needed to document my attempts to get the TIN and keep those records with my tax documents. They also told me exactly what supporting documentation I should keep in case of an audit. Honestly wish I'd known about this service months ago instead of stressing about this!

I just went through this exact situation last year! My advice: Do NOT put "PROVIDER REFUSED" unless you have ACTUAL DOCUMENTATION showing you tried to get their TIN. The IRS agent I spoke with said people misuse this all the time and it can be a red flag for audit. What I did: sent a certified letter to the daycare's last known address requesting their TIN for tax purposes, and kept the receipt showing it was sent. I also printed out emails I sent trying to get this info. When they never responded, I was able to legitimately use "PROVIDER REFUSED" on my Form 2441 and still got my dependent care credit without issues.

Has anyone had their FSA administrator reject expenses during an audit because the provider didn't have a tax ID? I'm in a similar situation with a small home daycare and worried my company might make me pay back the FSA money if they audit and find out the provider wasn't properly registered.

I went through almost the exact same situation two years ago with a home daycare that suddenly shut down. What really helped me was keeping a detailed timeline of everything - when I paid, when they closed, when I tried to contact them, etc. One thing I'd add to the great advice already given: check with your state's licensing board for childcare providers. Even if the daycare was operating without proper licensing, they might have records or complaints filed that could help you track down the owner's information. In my case, I found out through the state board that several parents had filed complaints when the daycare closed, and they actually had the owner's SSN on file from a previous licensing attempt. Also, don't stress too much about the FSA side of things. Your FSA administrator approved the reimbursement based on valid receipts for childcare expenses. The fact that the provider may have had licensing issues doesn't retroactively make your childcare expenses ineligible. You legitimately paid for childcare so you could work - that's what matters for FSA purposes. Just make sure to document everything thoroughly and you should be fine on both the FSA and tax filing fronts!