What is the Healthy Living Tax Incentive?

As of Oct. 29, 2009 the Healthy Living Tax Credit has been discontinued by the govenment. 

New for 2009

As part of the newly expanded program, the Healthy Living Tax Incentive will be extended to include Nova Scotians of all ages, encouraging adults and children to participate in a healthier lifestyle through fitness.

The tax credit, or healthy living incentive, provides a tax credit of up to $500 per person to help with the cost of registering for sport or recreation activities that offer health benefits.

This is a tax credit not a tax rebate. A tax credit is a reduction against income tax. A person who claims the maximum of $500.00 can expect a tax reduction of $43.95. This amount will be deducted from your provincial income tax, much the same way your charitable donations are deducted.

Adults and children enrolling with an eligible sport and recreation organization in 2009 must keep registration tax receipts to claim the credit on their 2009 tax return. Only receipts from those sport and recreation groups who have registered with the Department of Health Promotion and Protection are eligible.

Receipts submitted with your 2009 taxes must be dated on or after January 1, 2009 for an adult to benefit from the newly expanded program and receive the credit.

Parents can still submit receipts for their children for the 2008 tax year.

The 2009 eligibility list of organized sport, physical recreation, and physical activity programs will be available soon.