Louisiana § RS 47:297.4 - Reduction to tax due; certain child care expenses
Full text of Louisiana Louisiana Civil Code § RS 47:297.4 — Reduction to tax due; certain child care expenses, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ RS 47:297.4. Reduction to tax due; certain child care expenses
A. There shall be a credit from the tax imposed by this Part for child care expenses for which a resident individual is eligible pursuant to the federal income tax credit provided by Internal Revenue Code Section 21 for the same taxable year. The credit shall be calculated using the following percentages :
(1)(a) If the resident individual's federal adjusted gross income is equal to or less than twenty-five thousand dollars, the credit shall be calculated based on the federal tax credit before it is reduced by the amount of the individual's federal income tax and be equal to the following amounts for the following tax years:
(i) For tax years beginning after December 31, 2005 and ending before January 1, 2007, twenty-five percent of the unreduced federal credit.
(ii) For tax years beginning after December 31, 2006 fifty percent of the unreduced federal credit.
(b) For the individuals provided for by this Paragraph, the Louisiana credit shall be allowed without regard to whether they claimed such federal credit.
(2) If the resident individual's federal adjusted gross income is greater than twenty-five thousand dollars and less than or equal to thirty-five thousand dollars, the credit shall be equal to thirty percent of the federal credit for child care expenses claimed on the resident individual's federal tax return.
(3) If the resident individual's federal adjusted gross income is greater than thirty-five thousand and less than or equal to sixty thousand dollars, the credit shall be equal to ten percent of the federal credit for child care expenses claimed on the resident individual's federal tax return.
(4) If the resident individual's federal adjusted gross income is greater than sixty thousand dollars, the credit shall be equal to the lesser of twenty-five dollars or ten percent of the federal credit for child care expenses claimed on the resident individual's federal tax return.
B.(1) If the credit against Louisiana income tax for resident individuals whose federal adjusted gross income is equal to or less than twenty-five thousand dollars exceeds the amount of such individual's tax liability for the taxable year, then such excess tax credit shall constitute an overpayment, as defined in R.S. 47:1621(A), and the secretary shall make a refund of such overpayment from the current collections of the taxes imposed under this Part. The right to a refund of any such overpayment shall not be subject to the requirements of R.S. 47:1621(B).
(2) If the credit against Louisiana income tax for resident individuals whose federal adjusted gross income is greater than twenty-five thousand dollars exceeds the amount of such individual's tax liability for the taxable period, then such excess tax credit may be carried forward as a credit against any subsequent tax liability of such individual imposed by this Part for a period not exceeding five years.
Acts 2002, No. 25, §1, eff. for all taxable periods beginning on or after Jan. 1, 2003; Acts 2005, No. 495, §1, eff. July 12, 2005, applicable to all tax years beginning on and after Jan. 1, 2006.
Source: official Louisiana text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Louisiana § RS 47:297.4
What does Louisiana Civil Code § RS 47:297.4 cover?
Section RS 47:297.4 ("Reduction to tax due; certain child care expenses") is part of the Louisiana Civil Code, the codified statutory law of Louisiana. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Louisiana § RS 47:297.4?
A common citation format is "Louisiana Civil Code § RS 47:297.4" (Louisiana). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Louisiana law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Louisiana official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Louisiana attorney.
How does Louisiana § RS 47:297.4 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Louisiana can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Louisiana.