Tri-City Eagles Field Hockey Club

The Honourable Jim Flaherty, Minister of Finance, released guidelines Dec. 19th on the Children's Fitness Tax Credit, which became effective on January 1, 2007.

The Minister confirmed that as recommended by the Expert Panel for the Children’s Fitness Tax Credit, the definition of eligible programs will support children’s participation in all programs that significantly contribute to their fitness.

"We know that families have limited budgets, and the Children’s Fitness Tax Credit will help make it possible for more young Canadians to get involved in sport and physical activity," said the Honourable Peter Van Loan, President of the Queen’s Privy Council for Canada, Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs, and Minister for Sport. "I am pleased that we are delivering on this important commitment for families and taxpayers."

Responsibility for administering the tax credit lies with the Canada Revenue Agency. Should people have any questions about the Children's Fitness Tax Credit, they should contact the Canada Revenue Agency at 1-800-959-5525. For more information http://www.fin.gc.ca/news06/06-084e.html

An ongoing, supervised program, suitable for children, in which substantially all of the activities undertaken include a significant amount of physical activity that contribute to cardio-respiratory endurance, plus one or more of:

• muscular strength
• muscular endurance
• flexibility and balance.

This definition will cover many sports programs that involve sport but recognizes that the practice of any sport physical activity does not always call on cardio-respiratory endurance, notably in the initial learning stages. Eligibility of a program would be based on the general nature of the activities, and the benefits of involvement over time. The definition will also take into account the average participants’ age, health, skills, presence of a disability, and other relevant factors.

In keeping with the expressed purpose of the tax credit, and in the spirit of Canada’s Physical Activity Guides for Children and Youth published by the Public Health Agency of Canada, programs of prescribed physical activity for which tax receipts are issued should encourage children to strive towards at least 30 minutes of sustained moderate to vigorous physical activity per session for children under 10, and 60 minutes of sustained moderate to vigorous physical activity for children 10 and over.

By requiring a supervisory presence and by referring to activities that are "suitable for children", the proposed definition acknowledges parents’ role in assuring the safety of their children. It reminds those delivering programs of prescribed physical activity for children that safety is paramount and that such programs should comply with federal and provincial safety regulations.

Categories of Eligible Programs

In addition to the above definition, and in order to recognize the many ways in which children are enrolled and participate in organized physical activity, the Income Tax Regulations will provide that programs are eligible for the tax credit if they last at least eight weeks at a minimum of one session per week, or, in the case of children’s camps, five consecutive days – provided in the latter case that more than 50 per cent of the program time is devoted to physical activity.

Calculating eligible fees

To be eligible for the children's fitness tax credit, the fees must be paid for a child who is under 16 at any time in the year. The fees must relate to the cost of registration or membership in an eligible program of physical fitness activity.

Issuing receipts

A receipt will be issued for income tax purposes, for eligible amounts paid in 2007 only. Amounts paid in 2006 do not qualify even if all or part of the activity takes place in 2007. A receipt should contain the following information:

• Organization's name and address
• Name of the eligible program or activity
• Total amount received, date received, and the amount that is eligible for the children's fitness tax credit
• Full name of the payer
• Name of the child and child's year of birth
• Authorized signature.

Note: An authorized signature is not required for electronically generated receipts.

For Members

Keep you receipt for income tax purposes. For credit card payments, your receipt is your pay pal receipt. For cheque payments, please request a receipt from the office.

** 2007 Receipts **

Receipts for 2007 Spring League were distributed at the end of the season by the Coach. If you require a duplicate receipt, please email info@tcfieldhockey.com OR call Brian Lewis at 604-619-4034.