Ontario Childcare Access and Relief from Expenses Tax Credit
ON CARE Credit
The Ontario Childcare Access and Relief from Expenses (CARE) Tax Credit helps families with the cost of child care by refunding up to a portion of your child care expenses based on your income. It supports low- and moderate-income families in particular, and is claimed on your annual tax return.
Useful Tips for Applying
Keep all child care receipts during the year. If you have a child with special needs, ask about age-limit exceptions. The credit is refundable, so you can receive it even if you owe little or no tax. Combine it with the federal child care deduction and the Canada Child Benefit.
Who May Qualify
You may qualify if you are an Ontario resident at the end of the tax year, your family income is $150,000 or less, you are eligible to claim the Child Care Expense Deduction, and you paid for child care so you could work, study, or run a business.
Required Documents
Receipts from your child care provider showing amounts paid, the provider's information, and your income tax return. You must be eligible to claim the Child Care Expense Deduction.
How to Apply
Claim the credit on your annual Ontario tax return. You must first be eligible to claim the Child Care Expense Deduction on your federal return.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
A common mistake is not claiming the federal Child Care Expense Deduction first, which is required to claim this credit. Another is not keeping child care receipts, which you need to support the deduction. People also miss that families with special-needs children may qualify for the credit for a child older than the usual age limit.
Preparing an application?
The Application Helper walks you through each question on this benefit's form in plain language.
Application denied?
If your application is turned down, the Appeals Guide explains filing deadlines, escalation levels, and where to find free legal and advocate help.
Accessible Compass is an independent guide — we are not a government agency and do not process applications or approve benefits. We provide general information only, not legal, medical, or financial advice. Program rules may change. Always confirm with official government sources.
