Tax credit for working family caregivers: $10k max, phases out at $150k income
H.R. 5881 — Double Dependents Relief Act · Filed by Josh Harder (D-CA) · Introduced Oct 31, 2025 · Referred to committee
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What it does
This bill creates a new federal tax credit for working adults who provide unpaid care for family members with long-term care needs (children, spouses, or relatives with disabilities or chronic illnesses). The credit covers 30% of qualifying care expenses above $2,000 per year, up to a maximum of $10,000, and phases out for higher-income households. Eligible expenses include in-home care, assistive devices, home modifications, respite care, caregiver training, and lost wages from unpaid caregiving time.
Why we flagged it
The bill's sole operative mechanism is a new tax credit for working adults providing unpaid family care. It is a straightforward tax-benefit provision with no riders, no immunity grants, and no narrow carve-outs. The title accurately describes the function.
What the text implies
- Credit is non-refundable (reduces tax liability only; does not generate a refund for low-income workers with minimal tax liability), limiting benefit to those with sufficient income tax owed.
- Requires certification by a licensed health care practitioner within 39.5 months of filing; administrative burden and access to practitioners may exclude some eligible caregivers, particularly in rural areas.
The full analysis lists 4 implications of this text.
Who stands to gain
working family caregivers (individuals); home care service providers (indirect — increased demand for respite care, in-home assistance); assistive technology and medical device manufacturers (indirect — increased demand for covered devic