Get the experts' advice... Are my kids' camp fees tax-deductible?

The bell that rings on the last day of the school year sounds like an ear-splitting sound for every child; however, for the majority of parents, the closing of the school year signifies that it's time to figure out how to manage their summer childcare. Days camps, schools for sports, home-based care, and overnight camps are all fantastic alternatives to ensure your child's needs are well taken care of when they are not in school; however, it's crucial to understand the limitations on how to claim any related expenses as childcare costs.

In-home and daycare

In general, licensed daycare facilities such as nursery schools, nannies, or other providers of in-home care are eligible for childcare expenses. If you make use of these services, make sure you get a receipt in detail that contains the name of the person or organization as well as the services provided to be able to submit it along with the T778 form during tax season.

Sports camps, day camps, and school camps

Sports camps, day camps, and school expenses are usually to be eligible. However, the CRA specifies that the main objective of these camps has to be to provide care for children (i.e., the institution that offers a sports study program isn't considered an athletic school). Costs for children older than the age of 18 who attend high-level training camps are not likely to be considered eligible for reimbursement.

Overnight camps

Overnight camps and overnight sports schools are qualified up to a particular amount. This can range between $125 per week and $275 per week based on the age and abilities of the child who is eligible.

Relatives and siblings

In the majority of instances, you are not able to claim any funds you pay to certain relatives as tax-deductible, according to the list of exempted relatives as defined in the CRA. This includes:

• The parent of the child
• A spouse, common-law partner, or the mother or father of the eligible child
• A person who is under the age of 18 who is connected to you through a blood connection such as marriage, common-law partnership, or adoption (this excludes nieces, aunt, nephew, uncle, or uncle)
• A dependent on who you or a third party claimed an amount at line 30400, 30400, 30450, or 30500 on their return