March 31, 2026

Can You Claim Children’s Activities on Taxes in Ontario?

Can You Claim Children’s Activities on Taxes in Ontario?

If you are a parent in Canada, you would know how expensive extracurricular activities for children can be. Whether it’s dance, hockey, swimming, music, art, or coding, every child has his/her interests, and as parents, you want nothing but the best for your child. But you can also not undo the fact that children’s activities are a major investment in your child’s development.

Many parents in Ontario have a common question, especially during tax season: Can you claim children’s activities on taxes in Ontario?

The answer actually depends on the tax year and the type of expense. Here is a comprehensive guide by Taxccount Canada to help you get all the answers – what you can and cannot claim, the rules applicable, how the rules have changed, and other important information.

The Old Ontario Children’s Activity Tax Credit (Now Cancelled)

Ontario previously offered a provincial credit called the Ontario Children’s Activity Tax Credit. With the help of this credit, parents could claim a certain portion of eligible expenses for children enrolled in qualifying sports and recreational programs.

However, after the 2016 tax year, this credit has been eliminated. This means –

  • You cannot claim this credit for current tax years
  • It is not available for tax years after 2017
  • It is applicable only if you are amending a return from 2010 to 2016

A lot of parents still search for this credit online and are disappointed because it is no longer active.

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Are Children’s Sports or Arts Programs Tax Deductible in Ontario?

Currently, there is no general deduction or credit in Ontario that allows parents to claim –

  • Soccer or hockey registration fees
  • Art/ drama classes
  • Martial arts programs
  • Music lessons
  • Dance or gymnastics classes
  • Private tutoring

Medical expenses and charitable donations are considered tax deductible in Canada. But extra-curricular activity fees are not deductible under Ontario provincial or federal tax rules.

So, if you are paying for your child’s art or music class, these costs cannot be claimed on your tax return.

When Can Children’s Activities Be Claimed?

Keep in mind that standard arts and sports programs are not deductible, but there are certain situations in which the programs may qualify under a different category – child care expenses.

The CRA allows parents to claim child care expenses if they were incurred so that the parent could –

  • Work
  • Attend school
  • Run a business
  • Conduct research
  • Look for employment

Examples of eligible child care expenses may include –

  • Licensed daycare
  • Before and after school care
  • Summer day camps
  • Day programs for supervision

The main purpose is child care and not skill development or recreation.

What About Federal Children’s Activity Credits?

In the past, Canada offered federal tax credits for children’s fitness and arts programs. But these were under the broad family tax benefit initiatives. However, these federal credits were discontinued in the year 2016.

So, currently, there is no active federal children’s activity tax credit available through the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) for regular extra-curricular programs.

Is Ontario Bringing Back a Children’s Activity Credit?

There have been discussions and legislative movements towards the reintroduction of the Children’s Activity Credit to support families. In 2025, Ontario passed the Taxation Amendment Act (Bill 20), which includes provisions of a new child activity tax credit.

Here are the key details –

  • The new credit is applicable for tax years beginning after December 21, 2024
  • First-time families could claim it when filing their 2025 tax return in the year 2026
  • It is expected to be a non-refundable Ontario provincial tax credit
  • Families may be eligible to claim up to $1000 per year in qualifying expenses

Since it is a non-refundable credit, it can reduce your Ontario tax owing, but it will not create any refund if you owe no provincial tax.

Get in touch with the experts at Taxccount Canada to understand this further.

Important Note

The detailed eligibility rules, including which activities qualify, are still being finalized by the Ontario Ministry of Finance.

Until the official rules are released, Ontario families should –

  • Keep all the receipts for all registered programs safe
  • Maintain proper documentation showing payment dates and amounts
  • Ensure that the programs are structured and supervised

Taxccount Canada is continuously monitoring the updates and will provide unparalleled guidance once full implementation details are available.

FAQs

Can I Claim Hockey Registration Fees in Ontario?

No, you cannot claim hockey registration fees under the current tax rules in Canada. Hockey and other sports fees are not deductible unless they qualify as child care under CRA guidelines.

Can I Claim Tutoring Expenses?

No, you cannot claim tutoring expenses unless it qualifies as a medical expense for a child with a diagnosed learning disability and prescribed by a medical practitioner.

Can Both Parents Split the Claim?

For child care expenses, it is usually the lower-income spouse who must claim the deduction (subject to exceptions).

How Will Ontario Families Be Affected in 2026?

For the current tax filing season –

  • Regular extra-curricular activity costs cannot be claimed
  • Qualifying child care expenses can be claimed
  • Make sure to prepare for the upcoming Ontario activity credit if your child participates in any organized programs

Families planning their budget should keep in mind that while extra-curricular activities are great investments for their child’s physical and mental growth and well-being, they are not tax-deductible under current law! So, plan accordingly. It is best to stay informed and ensure you claim every deduction and credit that you’re entitled to.

You can get in touch with a professional, like Taxccount Canada, to help you plan your finances. The team will help Ontario families –

  • Identify eligible child care deductions
  • Prepare accurate provincial tax claims
  • Avoid making tax filing mistakes
  • Stay updated on any new Ontario tax credits

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This is general information only and not professional advice. Consult a professional before acting.