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  • Dennis C. Carroll, Esq.

Can I deduct fees paid for my kid's sports team?

Updated: Oct 25, 2023


Maybe. If your kid is under age 13 and his participation during team practices/games is meant to allow you to work, then you could deduct up to $3,000. You'll have to include the taxpayer I.D. number for the sport organization on your tax return. This deduction is also allowed for nursery school, day care, day camps, and before/after-school programs. Overnight camp fees and kindergarten tuition are not deductible. If you have 2 or more kids, you could deduct up to $6,000. Your potential $3,000 per kid deduction is reduced to 20% of that (or $600) if your earned income is over $43,000.


This may not seem like a lot but this amount is a credit; which means it reduces your federal income tax. Contrast this credit to your mortgage interest deduction which reduces your income before the federal income tax is calculated. A $600 deduction may reduce your federal income tax by $100 but a $600 credit will reduce your federal income tax by $600.

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