MS HB322

Creates a $750 income tax credit per dependent child (under age 6) for families earning up to 400% of the federal poverty level who use qualified standard or comprehensive child care centers for at least 8 months; credit is refundable for families earning below 250% of the poverty level

Provides refundable tax credits to qualified child care centers: standard centers receive $500 per child (up to $15,000 maximum) and comprehensive centers receive $750 per child (up to $20,000 maximum) based on average monthly attendance

Establishes refundable tax credits for teachers and directors employed more than 9 months at qualified child care centers: $750 for those at standard centers and $1,000 for those at comprehensive centers

Requires child care centers to be certified under the Mississippi Department of Human Services voluntary child care program to qualify for any of the credits

Effective date of January 1, 2023