4027 Patrick Brown - Barrie - MP Brown Promoting Children's Art Tax Credit
MP Brown Promoting Children's Art Tax Credit
March 22, 2012



Barrie, Ontario - With the April 30th income tax deadline approaching, the Member of Parliament for Barrie, Patrick Brown, is promoting the Children’s Arts Tax Credit as Canadians sit down to prepare their returns. This new tax credit, passed in the 2011 Economic Action Plan, is available to Canadians whose children participate in artistic, cultural, recreational, and developmental programs.

“Whether a child is inspired by the incredible performing skills of Justin Bieber, the magnificent paintings of Robert Bateman or the graceful dance of Karen Kain there is a tax credit for parents to help pay for the programs that will allow their children to live out their dreams.

Our Government is pleased to have introduced a tax credit for parents whose children participate in paid programs in the arts so they too can enjoy the same benefits as parents who children participate in paid programs of physical activity,” said MP Brown In addition to fitness programs covered by the children’s fitness tax credit, parents can now claim money spent on programs that focus on fine arts, music, performing arts, outdoor wilderness training, learning a language, studying a culture, tutoring, and more. When parents claim the children’s arts tax credit—up to a maximum of $500 of the cost of programs—they save as much as $75 at tax time per child claimed.

To find out if your child’s program is eligible for the children’s arts tax credit, go to www.cra.gc.ca/artscredit.

Fact Sheet

CHILDREN'S ARTS TAX CREDIT –ECONOMIC ACTION PLAN - 2011 MEASURE
  • Modeled after the Children’s Fitness Tax Credit, the budget proposes a new non-refundable tax credit based on eligible expenses paid for the cost of registration or membership of a child in a prescribed program of artistic, cultural, recreational or developmental activity.
  • The credit is effective starting with the 2011 tax year.
  • Eligible expenses can be claimed up to $500 for each child under 16 years of age at the beginning of the year (under 18 if a child is eligible for the Disability Tax Credit).
  • If a child is eligible for the disability tax credit, an additional $500 can be claimed if at least $100 in eligible expenses has been paid for the child.
  • For 2011, the credit is 15% multiplied by the total amount for each child.
  • Parents can pay up to $75 less in income tax per child claimed.
  • To be eligible, programs must meet certain duration and content requirements.
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