Can I Claim Tutoring on My 2025 Taxes?

It’s a question we hear every year: Can I claim tutoring on my 2025 taxes? The short answer is a resounding maybe (depending on your situation).

According to the Canada Revenue Agency, tutoring services may qualify as a medical expense in certain cases. If your child has a diagnosed learning disability and the tutoring is provided by a qualified specialist, you might be eligible to claim it under medical expenses.

You can jump directly to the tutoring section here to see the CRA’s wording and criteria.

Here’s what you’ll usually need:

• A letter from a medical practitioner (such as a psychologist or physician) recommending the tutoring
• The tutor must be a specialist in the specific area your child is struggling with
• Receipts from the tutoring service provider

We recommend keeping your documents organized in case the CRA requests them later.

If your child has a documented learning disability and worked with us this past year, we can provide an annual summary or reissue receipts if needed. Reach out here if that would be helpful.

The Disability Tax Credit (DTC)

While the Disability Tax Credit isn’t specifically about claiming tutoring, it can be an important part of the bigger picture.

The DTC is a non-refundable tax credit that helps individuals with disabilities (or their supporting family members) reduce the amount of income tax they owe. It is designed to help offset some of the additional costs that can come with having a disability.

Although being approved for the DTC doesn’t automatically mean you can claim tutoring on your 2025 taxes, it can strengthen your case if other criteria are also met. For example, if your child has a diagnosed learning disability and meets the CRA’s requirements for claiming tutoring as a medical expense, having DTC approval may help confirm the severity and nature of the disability.

To apply for the DTC, a medical professional needs to complete Form T2201 and submit it to the CRA for review.

Provincially Funded Programs

For example, in Ontario, one such program is Special Services at Home (SSAH). This program provides direct funding to families of children with physical or developmental disabilities. You can use the funds for things like respite care, skill development, and yes, tutoring.

You need to apply and be approved, and you’ll be required to track how the funds are used. But for families struggling with the cost of specialized support, this can be a game changer.

If you live outside Ontario, check with your province or territory to see what programs are available. Many regions offer some form of support for children with special needs, and tutoring may qualify depending on the details.

A Word of Caution

While these programs can offer real help, it’s important to read the criteria carefully. We never want a family to be surprised or disappointed. That’s why we always recommend confirming eligibility with the CRA or a trusted tax professional.

As always, speak with a tax professional to confirm your eligibility. The rules can change, and every family’s situation is different. But we hope this gets you started.