News release

Fertility and Surrogacy Tax Credit Program Opens

Finance and Treasury Board
Health and Wellness

Nova Scotians who have paid for fertility care and surrogacy to expand their families can now apply for a new tax credit to help offset the cost.

Beginning with the 2022 tax year, the Province will offer a refundable tax credit equal to 40 per cent of the cost of fertility care provided by a Nova Scotia-licensed medical practitioner or infertility treatment clinic and for surrogacy-related medical expenses.

“We know the impact infertility can have on Nova Scotians trying to grow their family. For many, the cost simply puts their dreams out of reach,” said Health and Wellness Minister Michelle Thompson. “I hope the Fertility and Surrogacy Tax Credit can help Nova Scotians realize their dreams of parenthood by reducing the financial burden of fertility care and surrogacy-related medical expenses.”

There is no limit on the number of treatments an applicant family can claim, but the maximum is a total of $20,000 in eligible expenses, for a maximum annual credit of $8,000. The credit provides coverage for all types of families, including the 2SLGBTQIA+ community, who previously had no option but to pay the full cost.

Eligible people can apply for the tax credit after they file their 2022 income tax return and receive a notice of assessment from the Canada Revenue Agency.

For more information about eligibility or to apply, visit: http://novascotia.ca/FSTC

Quick Facts:

  • the Fertility and Surrogacy Tax Credit was announced in the 2022-23 provincial budget
  • the credit is estimated to cost $3 million in 2023-24
  • if medically needed services are not offered in the province, a licensed practitioner in Nova Scotia can refer a patient elsewhere; these costs may also be considered eligible

Additional Resources:

News release – Rebate for Fertility Treatments, Surrogacy-related Medical Expenses: https://novascotia.ca/news/release/?id=20220330002

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

Mandate letter of the Minister of Health and Wellness: https://novascotia.ca/exec_council/letters-2021/ministerial-mandate-letter-2021-DHW.pdf

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

Health and Wellness on Twitter: https://twitter.com/nshealth