ME LD203

Creates a refundable income tax credit for employers who provide child care services to employees' children, effective for tax years beginning January 1, 2026

Credit amount equals the lesser of 50% of child care costs incurred or $3,000 per child served

Qualifying expenses include building, furnishing, licensing, staffing, operating, or subsidizing a licensed child care center; contracting with licensed child care facilities; payments under dependent care assistance programs; and providing child care resource and referral services

Unused credits may be carried forward for up to 15 years

Repeals the previous employer-assisted day care tax credit (which expired in 2016) and requires ongoing legislative review of the new credit beginning in 2030