Harper Government’s Low-Tax Plan Provides Record Tax Relief for Canadian Families

The Honourable Gail Shea, Minister of National Revenue and Minister for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency, today highlighted that the Children’s Fitness Tax Credit is on track to provide an estimated $120 million in tax relief to Canadian families in 2012.

“Our Government is committed to keeping taxes low for hardworking Canadian families,” said Minister Shea. “I am proud that this credit is providing record savings. It is a great measure that supports busy and active Canadian families.”

When children participate in eligible programs that focus on physical activity, families can save their receipts and claim the cost of those programs, to a maximum of $500 per child, on their tax returns. This means saving as much as $75 on their tax bill for each child’s programs.

According to the 2012 Tax Expenditures and Evaluations publication, the estimated fiscal cost of the Children’s Fitness Tax Credit will be $120 million in 2012. This represents a significant growth in tax savings from the estimated fiscal cost of $90 million in 2007.

“We will continue to support tax relief measures so that Canadian families can be involved in children’s activities while keeping more of their hard-earned dollars,” added Minister Shea. “I’m happy that so many families across the country are benefitting from increased physical activity and tax savings.”

To find out if your child’s program is eligible for the Children’s Fitness Tax Credit, go to www.cra.gc.ca/fitness.

The CRA encourages Canadians to take advantage of its safe, secure, and convenient electronic services to file their tax returns. In most cases, with direct deposit, individuals can receive their refund in as little as eight business days, compared with four to six weeks for a paper return.