5 Ways to Maximize Your Tax Credits as a Parent

by Rachel Morgan Cautero

Fact-Checked by Melissa Bykofsky | March 12, 2024

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38% of moms plan to use their tax refund to pay off debt. Here’s how to get more of the money you need back.

1. Claim a dependent
2. Factor in unpaid maternity leave
3. Deduct the cost of fertility treatments
4. Contribute to a tax-deductible savings or investment account
5. File your taxes, even if you don’t have to
Survey methodology

From the What to Expect editorial team and Heidi Murkoff, author of What to Expect When You're Expecting. What to Expect follows strict reporting guidelines and uses only credible sources, such as peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions and highly respected health organizations. Learn how we keep our content accurate and up-to-date by reading our medical review and editorial policy.

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5. Michael J. Garry, CFP and founder and CEO of Yardley Wealth Management in Yardley, PA.
6. Janice Stoudemire, retired CPA and tax content specialist at UWorld CPA Review.

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