Young people aged 17 and under who are registered in an approved organized sport, physical recreation, or physical activity program qualify for the tax credit.

However, as part of the newly expanded program for 2010, the Health Tax Credit or Healthy Living Tax Incentive will be extended to include all ages, encouraging adults and children to participate in a healthier lifestyle through fitness.

Adults and children enrolling with an eligible sport and recreation organization in 2010 must keep registration tax receipts to claim the health tax credit on their 2010 tax return. Only receipts from those sport and recreation groups who have registered with the Department of Health Promotion and Protection are eligible.

Receipts for health tax credit submitted with your 2010 taxes must be dated on or after January 1, 2010 for an adult to benefit from the newly expanded program and receive the credit.

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

Please note that 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.