The March 22, 2017 federal Budget has added a special rule allowing in vitro fertilization costs as a medical expense, eligible for a 15% federal credit (subject to a threshold of a base amount of medical expenses in the year), plus a provincial credit.
Such costs were already allowed as a medical expense where needed for medical reasons, due to infertility.
Now, however, fertility expenses will be allowed even if there is no medical need. Thus, a woman who is in a same-sex relationship, or who is single and chooses to have a child through in vitro fertilization, will be able to claim the medical costs as a medical expense.
This letter summarizes recent tax developments and tax planning opportunities from a third-party affiliate; however, we recommend that you consult with an expert before embarking on any of the suggestions contained in this blog post, which are appropriate to your own specific requirements. Please feel free to get in touch with Lee & Sharpe to discuss anything detailed above, we would be pleased to help.