Can You Claim Tutoring on Your Taxes in Canada? A Guide for Families
Written by Julie Diamond, Founder & CEO of Diamond Teachers Group
As tax season approaches, many Canadian parents start asking me the same question: Can tutoring for my child be claimed on my taxes?
If your child receives extra help with reading, math, writing, or other school subjects, you might hope those expenses can reduce your tax bill. Unfortunately, the answer is not always straightforward.
In most cases, tutoring is not tax-deductible in Canada. However, there is one important situation where it may qualify.
I’ve created this guide to help decipher the CRA information [link HERE - tutoring expenses are 1.117], explaining when tutoring can be claimed, when it cannot, and what documentation families should keep.
The General Rule
For most families, regular tutoring cannot be claimed on your taxes.
If you hired a tutor to help your child:
improve grades
catch up in a subject
prepare for exams
build academic confidence
fill learning gaps
Those costs are considered personal education expenses and are NOT tax-deductible expenses.
According to the Canada Revenue Agency, general tutoring does not qualify as an education or childcare deduction.
When Tutoring May Be Claimed
Tutoring may qualify as a medical expense if it is required because of a diagnosed learning disability.
Under certain conditions, the Canada Revenue Agency allows families to claim specialized tutoring that supports a child’s disability.
To qualify, all of the following conditions usually need to be met:
1. A Diagnosed Learning Disability
Your child must have a learning disability that has been formally diagnosed by a qualified professional, such as:
a psychologist
a medical doctor
This diagnosis often comes from a psychoeducational assessment.
2. A Professional Recommendation
A medical practitioner must provide written documentation stating that tutoring is required to support your child’s learning disability.
This is a key requirement. The documentation should clearly indicate that:
tutoring is needed due to the child’s learning disability
it is part of supporting their development or functioning
Without this written recommendation, tutoring expenses will not qualify.
3. Specialized Tutoring
The tutoring must be specifically designed for students with learning disabilities.
According to CRA guidance, this means:
the tutor or tutoring service is trained or experienced in working with students with learning disabilities, like our teachers who tutor at Diamond Teachers Group who have Special Education qualifications and experience with students who have similar learning needs
the instruction is adapted to meet the child’s specific needs, not just general academic support
For example:
structured literacy approaches for dyslexia
explicit, scaffolded math instruction for dyscalculia
executive functioning support for students with ADHD
General homework help or standard subject tutoring (even if helpful) does not typically qualify unless it is clearly adapted for the disability.
4. Proper Receipts
Families must keep detailed receipts from the tutor or tutoring company.
Receipts should include:
the tutor or company’s name, such as Diamond Teachers Group
the amount paid
the dates of service
a description of the tutoring services
These receipts are necessary if the Canada Revenue Agency requests documentation.
Examples of Learning Disabilities
Learning disabilities affect how a student processes information. Some common examples include:
Dyslexia – difficulty with reading
Dysgraphia – difficulty with writing
Dyscalculia – difficulty with math
Processing disorders
ADHD, when it significantly impacts learning
Each child’s learning profile is different, and specialized tutoring can play an important role in building effective strategies.
Tutoring Expenses Checklist
If you’re wondering whether your tutoring expenses may qualify for a tax claim, use this simple checklist.
You may be able to claim tutoring if:
✔ Your child has a diagnosed learning disability
✔ A medical professional recommended tutoring in writing
✔ The tutoring is specialized for students with learning disabilities
✔ You received official receipts from the tutor or tutoring company
✔ You plan to claim the expense under medical expenses on your tax return
If you can check all of these boxes, it may be worth discussing the expense with your accountant or tax professional.
Why Good Records Matter
If tutoring is claimed as a medical expense, the Canada Revenue Agency may request supporting documentation.
Families should keep:
copies of the diagnosis or psychoeducational assessment
the written recommendation for tutoring
all receipts for tutoring services
Keeping these documents organized will make filing your taxes much easier and help support your claim if questions arise.
The Bigger Picture
Even when tutoring cannot be claimed on your taxes, it can still be an incredibly valuable investment in your child’s learning.
Personalized tutoring can help students:
strengthen foundational skills
close learning gaps
build confidence
develop better learning strategies
For many families, the confidence and independence that students gain through tutoring can have a lasting impact far beyond the classroom.
Final Thoughts
While most tutoring expenses are not tax deductible in Canada, specialized tutoring related to a diagnosed learning disability may qualify as a medical expense.
Because every family’s situation is different, it’s always a good idea to confirm the details with a tax professional before filing.
Need CRA-Eligible Specialized Tutoring?
At Diamond Teachers Group, we provide personalized, research-based tutoring programs for students with learning disabilities. Our experienced tutors work closely with families to ensure that sessions are tailored to each child’s unique needs helping students thrive academically while meeting the CRA’s criteria for medical expense claims.
If you’d like to learn more about how we can support your child, contact us today to discuss your child’s needs and eligibility.