What expenses can I claim for Cultural/Art deductions for my children (ages 9 and 13)? Does piano lessons or Chinese lessons count? I live in BC

[TurboTaxTara · Accepted solution]

BC is one of the few provinces that continues to offer a provincial arts credit, and yes, both piano and language courses count.

You can claim up to $500 in expenses for children under 16 years of age.

To qualify for this amount, a program must: 

• be ongoing (a minimum of eight consecutive weeks duration or, in the case of children's camps, five consecutive days); 
• be supervised; and 
• be suitable for children. 

The program also has to meet at least one of the following criteria: 

• it contributes to the development of creative skills or expertise in an artistic or cultural activity; 
• it provides a substantial focus on wilderness and the natural environment; 
• it helps children develop and use particular intellectual skills; 
• it includes structured interaction among children where supervisors teach or help children develop interpersonal skills; or 
• it provides enrichment or tutoring in academic subjects. 

Note: An activity that develops creative skills or expertise is only eligible if it is intended to improve a child’s dexterity or co-ordination, or helps in acquiring and applying knowledge through artistic or cultural activities such as literary arts, visual arts, performing arts, music, media, languages, customs, and heritage.