OTTAWA- Since 2006, the Conservative Government has introduced many important new tax relief measures, including the Family Caregiver Tax Credit. This tax credit is meant to assist Canadians coping with the added responsibilities of caring for infirm parents. This tax credit, combined with previous improvements to the Medical Expense Tax Credit, now provides even more tax relief to Canadian families.
“Our Government recognizes and values the important role of family caregivers,” said Cathy McLeod, Member of Parliament for Kamloops-Thompson-Cariboo. “Many Canadians make incredible personal sacrifices to care for a loved one – be it their child, parent, spouse, or other family member with a serious medical condition – often while holding down a job. That’s why we’re taking action to help lighten their load.”
Since January 2012, the Family Caregiver Tax Credit has been available to help assist Canadians coping with the added responsibilities of caring for infirm parents or relatives by providing a 15 per cent non-refundable tax credit on any amount up to $2,000. This now includes, for the first time, spouses, common-law partners, and minor children.
“Prior to this, families who were caring for their loved ones were not eligible for this Tax Credit, and it caused a great deal of hardship,” said McLeod. “I was very pleased to see this measure implemented.”
Our Government also recently introduced measures to ensure that the Medical Expenses Tax Credit better responds to the needs of Canadian caregivers, by removing the $10,000 limit on the amount of eligible expenses a caregiver can claim.
“The health of families and the strength of our communities are key elements to Canada’s economic potential and Canadians’ quality of life,” said McLeod. “We understand that many families can have a difficult time making ends meet, and that’s why we will continue to offer programs that support them.”
For more information on the new Family Caregiver Tax Credit, please visit: www.cra.gc.ca/familycaregiver.