Simple question... does both spouses have to work in order to deduct child care expenses from your taxable income?

Thanks,
dbteeitup

I think you would have to go by the receipts from the child care.
You may be eligible for the Earned Income Credit.

Do you mean are you eligible for the child and dependent care expense credit? The answer is yes, both spouses must work, because the amount of credit you can claim is limited to the lesser of you or your spouse's earned income. If one person's earned income is zero, you can't take the credit.