If you have a child under 16 enrolled in an eligible arts program, you may be able to claim up to $500 of related expenses paid in the year under a nonrefundable children’s arts tax credit. Eligible children’s programs involve activities that are artistic, cultural, recreational or developmental.
These programs must last at least eight weeks with at least one session per week. Children’s camps can also qualify if they last at least five consecutive days and devote more than 50% of the children’s time to eligible activities.
Some expenses eligible for the arts tax credit are also eligible for the child care expense deduction and the children’s fitness tax credit, but you cannot claim the same expenses for all these purposes.
Children who are eligible for the disability tax credit can qualify for the children’s arts tax credit if they are under 18 (rather than 16). In such cases, you may be able to claim an additional $500 non-refundable amount, as long as the registration in an eligible program costs at least $100.
