Closed
Source verified August 3, 2026
Ontario Child Care Tax Credit
Personal income tax credit for child care costs
Funding available
$ 8,250
Deadline
Closed
Location
Ontario, Canada
Overview
The Ontario Child Care Tax Credit is a refundable personal income tax credit that helps families cover child care costs in Ontario. Eligible families can claim up to 75% of eligible child care expenses for child care centres, homes and camps.
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At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Increase social or community impact
- Enhance an existing program
- Raise awareness or mobilize a population
Eligible Funding
- Maximum amount : 8,250 $
- Up to 75% of project cost
Funds Providers
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- All industries
Location
- Ontario
Legal structures
- All legal structures
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- All organization sizes
Audience
- All groups
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
Activities funded
- Claiming child care expense tax relief.
Documents Needed
- Schedule ON479-A, Ontario Childcare Access and Relief from Expenses (CARE) Tax Credit
- Receipts for child care expenses incurred throughout the year
Official resources
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- Families with incomes up to $150,000.
- Ontario residents at the end of the tax year.
- People eligible to claim the Child Care Expense Deduction.
Eligible expenses
- Caregivers providing child care services
- Day nursery schools and child care centres
- Boarding schools, overnight sports schools or camps where lodging is involved
- Educational institutions, for the part of fees that relate to child care only
- Day camps and sports schools where the primary goal of the camp is to care for children
Ineligible Costs and Activities
- Medical or hospital care, clothing or transportation costs
- Fees related to education costs at an educational institution, such as tuition
- Fees for leisure or recreational activities, such as tennis lessons
- Child care services provided by the eligible child's parent or a person under 18 years of age who is connected by a blood relationship, such as a sibling
Eligible geographic areas
- Ontario
How to apply
- File your tax return.
- Submit a completed Schedule ON479-A, Ontario Childcare Access and Relief from Expenses (CARE) Tax Credit.
Processing and Agreement
- Claim the credit when filing your personal income tax return.
- Submit the completed Schedule ON479-A with the return.
- Keep child care receipts in case they are requested later.
Additional information
- The Ontario Child Care Tax Credit is known as Ontario Childcare Access and Relief from Expenses (CARE) Tax Credit.
Contacts
Frequently Asked Questions about the Ontario Child Care Tax Credit Program
What is the Ontario Child Care Tax Credit?
The Ontario Child Care Tax Credit is a refundable personal income tax credit that helps families cover child care costs in Ontario. Eligible families can claim up to 75% of eligible child care expenses for child care centres, homes and camps.
How much funding can be received?
Ontario Child Care Tax Credit Funds up to 75% of admissible expenses, capped at $8,250 per project.
Who is eligible for the Ontario Child Care Tax Credit program?
To be eligible for the Ontario Child Care Tax Credit program, you must:
Ontario resident at year-end.
Eligible for child care expense deduction.
Family income up to $150,000.
Who can I contact for more information about the Ontario Child Care Tax Credit?
You can contact City of Hamilton or by phone at 1-800-959-8281.
Where is the Ontario Child Care Tax Credit available?
The Ontario Child Care Tax Credit program is available the province of Ontario.
Is the Ontario Child Care Tax Credit a grant, loan, or tax credit?
Ontario Child Care Tax Credit is a Tax Credits
Who are the financial supporters of the Ontario Child Care Tax Credit?
Ontario Child Care Tax Credit is funded by City of Hamilton