Can I deduct summer camp expenses on my taxes?
Sarah Duran
Published Apr 04, 2026
Can you deduct summer camps from your taxes? Yes, you can. Whether it’s a daycare center, summer camp, or even a babysitter to care for a qualifying child under 13 years of age or disabled dependent, you can qualify for tax credit up to 35 percent of expenses of $3,000 for one child or dependent.
Do I have to fill out form 2441?
IRS Form 2441 is completed by the taxpayer to report child and dependent care expenses paid for the year. This form must be filed if you’re planning to claim a credit for child and dependent care expenses. Completing Form 2441 doesn’t guarantee that you’re eligible for the child and dependent care tax credit.
What is Lafcp?
At the top of the form, the childcare provider is named. Since they are abroad, instead of a US tax identification number, they write LAFCP, for “Living Abroad, Foreign Child Care Provider” in that box.
Is the cost of day camp tax deductible?
Are My Child’s Summer Camp Expenses Tax Deductible? According to the IRS instructions for form 2441, you are able to include the cost for day camp for children under age 13. The day camp would provide the care you would have had to obtain if your child was at home.
Can You claim overnight camps as qualifying expenses?
Keep in mind that expenses related to schooling, tutoring, or overnight camps are not qualifying expenses. Since every family is different, the IRS has a series of exceptions to the rules in the qualification process. These exceptions allow a greater number of families to take advantage of the credit.
How old do you have to be to deduct summer camps?
Your filing status must be single, head of household, qualifying widow or widower with a qualifying child, or married filing jointly. Your child or dependent must be under 13 or must be disabled and physically or mentally incapable of caring for themself.
What should I include on my tax return for day camp?
You also may not include amounts paid for food (except as stated above), lodging, education or entertainment. The expense for day camp would be included on Form 2441 on your return.