Understanding Taxes vs. Food Program

When logging a meal in KidKeeper, you can claim it in one of two ways — for taxes or under a food program. Understanding the difference helps you keep accurate records for year-end reporting and program reimbursements.

Taxes

Select Taxes when you are claiming the meal as a business expense for tax deduction purposes. This is the standard method for most home daycare providers who are not enrolled in a food program.

At tax time, your total meals claimed under Taxes can be used to calculate your meal deduction using the standard meal rates set by the IRS.

Food Program

Select Food Program when the meal is being claimed for reimbursement through a sponsored child care food program, such as CACFP (Child and Adult Care Food Program).

Use this option if you are enrolled in a food program and want to track which meals qualify for reimbursement separately from your tax deductions.

Can I use both?

Yes. Different children can be claimed under different methods on the same day. For example, if some children in your care are enrolled in a food program and others are not, you can mark each child accordingly.

Not sure which to use?

If you are not enrolled in a food program, use Taxes for all meals. If you are enrolled in CACFP or a similar program, contact your program sponsor for guidance on how to track meals correctly.