Can I count gymnastics and basketball lessons expenses as child care credit?

[ivanaa1993]

I know day camps count but not sure about year round weekly gymnastics and basketball lessons at a park district which I pay for monthly.

[SantinoD · Accepted solution]

Gymnastics and basketball lessons do not qualify as qualified expenses for the Child and Dependent care credit. 

Qualifying expenses for the child and dependent care credit

You may be aware that daycare fees qualify for the child and dependent care credit, but the IRS actually considers much more than just the cost of daycare for this credit. Qualifying expenses also include:

• Childcare provided by a babysitter or licensed dependent care center.
• The cost of a cook, housekeeper, maid, or cleaning person who provides care for the child or dependent.
• Day camp or summer camp fees, even for camps centered around a sport or activity, qualify if the camp was selected to provide care while the parent or parents were at work. However, overnight camps do not qualify.
• Costs related to before- and after-school care for children under 13.
• Costs related to a nurse, home care provider, or other care provider for a disabled dependent.

Keep in mind that expenses related to schooling, tutoring, or overnight camps are not qualifying expenses.

To learn more about what expenses qualify, follow this link: Deducting Summer Camps and Daycare with the Child and Dependent Care Credit