Reminder to Claim Children’s Sports, Arts Tax Credit

Parents and guardians are reminded to take advantage of a new tax credit that will help with the costs of their children’s sports and arts programs.

The Children’s Sports and Arts Tax Credit is a $500 per child refundable credit that helps offset the cost of children’s sports and arts programs. Eligible expenses include membership fees, uniforms and equipment.

“Children express themselves, build new skills and discover who they are through sport and the arts, and we want to help families cover some of the costs associated with these activities,” said Finance and Treasury Board Minister Allan MacMaster. “The refundable credit recognizes those benefits and encourages more participation in these educational and community-building opportunities.”

The credit is administered by the Canada Revenue Agency. Parents and guardians claim it when filing personal income taxes.

Quotes:

“By making it more affordable for kids to enroll in arts, sports and recreation programs, we are helping families put their children on a path to active healthy living for years to come.”

– Pat Dunn, Minister of Communities, Culture, Tourism and Heritage

“We’re happy to see the Province’s continued commitment to sport. The benefits of participating in sport are far reaching, and we hope that the tax credit will allow more families to take part.”

– Jamie Ferguson, CEO, Sport Nova Scotia

“Supports like this ease the burden on families wishing to have their children take part in sport. Participation in sports like baseball provides countless benefits, and the tax credit will help more families get on the field.”

– Brandon Guenette, Executive Director, Baseball Nova Scotia

“The Children’s Sports and Arts Tax Credit is an incredibly valuable incentive to provide meaningful exposure to the arts during the formative years of a child’s development. The benefit to every young person who participates in a creative endeavour is lasting and vital.”

– Ken Schwartz, Chair, Arts Nova Scotia

Quick Facts:

• the Children’s Sports and Arts Tax Credit was introduced in the 2022-23 provincial budget
• the credit is estimated to cost $4.7 million annually
• Nova Scotia’s Fertility and Surrogacy Rebate and More Opportunity for Skilled Trades (MOST) programs, also announced in Budget 2022-23, will be administered by the Province, not through tax returns; the application process is being finalized and information will be released soon

Additional Resources:

Children’s Sports and Arts Tax Credit: https://www.novascotia.ca/finance/en/home/taxation/tax101/personalincometax/childrens-sports-arts-refundable-tax-credit.html

Mandate letter of the Minister of Finance and Treasury Board: https://novascotia.ca/exec_council/letters-2021/ministerial-mandate-letter-2021-ECO,-FTB-GA-LR.pdf

Finance and Treasury Board on Twitter: https://twitter.com/NSFinance