Have you registered your child, for example, for daycare, day camp or another childcare service? Thanks to the tax credit for childcare expenses, you may be able to recover some of the expenses you have paid. However, be sure to check your eligibility before claiming the tax credit.
Family-related requirements
First, make sure your family meets the following criteria.
Eligible parents
You or your spouse must be the parent of the child in question or the person responsible for them. With some exceptions, you must also live in Québec.
Furthermore, when you paid the childcare expenses, you must have been in one of the following situations:
- Employed or actively seeking employment
- Studying full time or part time, in person or remotely
- Receiving benefits under the Québec Parental Insurance Plan (Régime québécois d'assurance parentale)
- Receiving benefits related to a birth or adoption under the Employment Insurance Plan (Régime d’assurance-emploi)
Some less common situations may also make you eligible. Visit the Revenu Québec website for more details.
Eligible children
When you paid the childcare expenses, the child in question must have been living with you or your spouse. They must also have been under the age of 16 at some point in the year. However, if they have a mental or physical impairment, their age is irrelevant.
Important change to keep in mind
Starting in the 2026 taxation year, children between the ages of 14 and 16 will no longer be eligible.
Lastly, for a dependent child, their net income must not have exceeded $13,658 in the year they were receiving childcare services.
Expense-related requirements
Many childcare expenses qualify for the tax credit, but there are exceptions. Be sure to identify services that qualify. For example:
- Daycare centres and home childcare providers that do not provide subsidized childcare spots
- Kindergartens and daycare centres, excluding the contribution for a subsidized childcare spot
- School daycare service providers if you do not pay for a subsidized childcare spot
- In-home babysitters (except for certain family members)
- Day camps and municipal recreation centres during school vacations
For information on eligible childcare expenses, requirements and exceptions, visit the Revenu Québec website.
Does your child have a subsidized childcare spot?
If so, part of your childcare expenses are already covered, making you ineligible for this tax credit.
Claim the tax credit
Do you meet the criteria? If so, follow the procedure to claim the tax credit for childcare expenses. You can do this right now if you are eligible for advance payments. Otherwise, be sure to attach Schedule C to your income tax return.
Questions or problems?
You can find all the information on this tax credit on the Revenu Québec website.
If you believe that Revenu Québec has not respected your rights, contact the Bureau de la protection des droits de la clientèle. You can also file a complaint with the Protecteur du citoyen. Our services are confidential and free of charge.
Also read: Childcare for your child: options and registration
