Be ready with the proper documentation for your parents
As a childcare provider, the new year is always busy with new enrollments, preparing T4s for staff, and tax receipts for parents. The tax receipts are essential for claiming childcare expenses, which can significantly reduce a family’s tax burden. Issuing accurate and timely receipts is not only a legal obligation but also a critical part of maintaining trust and compliance. Here’s your go-to guide on what you need to include in tax receipts for parents.

Key Deadline to Remember
Tax receipts for parents must be issued by February 28th (same deadline as issuing T4s to staff). Timely delivery avoids stress for families and ensures compliance with Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) requirements.
What Must Be Included in Childcare Tax Receipts
According to the CRA, childcare tax receipts must include all of the following information:
the name of the person you are preparing the receipt for
the name of the child receiving care
the total amount you received for your services
the period you provided these services (start and end dates)
Provider's name and address
Social insurance number [if a homecare provider]
Provider's signature
Date the receipt is issued
Need a template? Download our free tax receipt template for a simple, compliant solution.
Best Practices for Issuing Tax Receipts
Timely Delivery: Send receipts well in advance of the deadline. This reduces last-minute stress for both you and the families you support.
Electronic vs. Paper Receipts: Consider issuing electronic receipts. They’re faster, more environmentally friendly, and easier for parents to store. Ensure they are securely transmitted to protect sensitive information.
Record Retention: Keep a copy of all issued receipts for at least seven years as required by CRA. Proper record-keeping helps you stay prepared for audits or discrepancies.
Verify: Double-check all receipt details—names, amounts, and dates. Errors can create filing challenges for parents and reflect poorly on your professionalism.
If you have any questions or need further assistance with tax receipts or other financial matters, our team is here to help! Email us at hello@childcarecpa.ca or get in touch to learn more about how we support childcare centres like yours.