New for the 2011 taxation year is the Children’s Art Credit, which is similar to the Children’s Fitness Credit. You can claim a maximum of $500 per child for amounts paid for a prescribed program of artistic, cultural, recreational, or developmental activity.
To be eligible the child must have been under 16 at the beginning of 2011. Children with disabilities must be under 18 years old at the beginning of 2011 and are eligible for a maximum claim of $1,000 per child.
To qualify the program must be either a minimum of 8 consecutive weeks long or 5 consecutive days long. It must be supervised and suitable for children.
It must also meet one of these criteria:
- it contributes to the development of creative skills or expertise in an artistic or cultural activity;
- it provides a substantial focus on wilderness and the natural environment;
- it helps children develop and use particular intellectual skills;
- it includes structured interaction among children where supervisors teach or help children develop interpersonal skills; or
- it provides enrichment or tutoring in academic subjects.
Please note that programs which are part of a school curriculum are not eligible.
For more information contact your local Kemp Harvey Group office.