Can I use dependent care FSA for swimming lessons?
Asked by: Jada McLaughlin | Last update: November 6, 2025Score: 4.7/5 (14 votes)
Can I use dependent care FSA for sports?
Lessons (Dependent Care: Education) Lessons such as dance, music, sports. Overnight camp (Dependent Care: Care) Even if expenses split out between day and night. Tuition expenses (Dependent Care: Education) Such expenses considered educational in nature.
What is not covered under dependent care FSA?
Fees associated with tuition for kindergarten or children in first grade and above are not eligible for reimbursement under a dependent care FSA. However, expenses related to before school care, after school care and nursery school expenses are eligible if the care is primarily custodial in nature.
Can I write off swim lessons for my child?
Unfortunately, no, swimming lessons aren't tax deductible.
Can I use dependent care FSA for classes?
Is tuition an eligible expense? No. Tuition for kindergarten and up is not eligible for reimbursement. You can claim nursery school, pre- kindergarten, before-school care, and after-school care.
Everything you need to know about Dependent Care FSAs
Can I use dependent care FSA for swim lessons?
Lessons (music, dance, swimming, etc.) Not a qualifying expense But see Day camp. Long-term care expenses See Custodial care and Elder care. Nanny See Au pair.
Can dependent care FSA be used for tutoring?
Tutoring is not eligible with a dependent care flexible spending account (DCFSA) or a limited-purpose flexible spending account (LPFSA).
Can I write off my swimming pool?
No, swimming pools that are used for recreational use at any time can not be deducted from your tax return. Pools are only tax deductible if they are used for medical purposes 100% of the time.
Are swim lessons considered extracurricular activities?
Soccer practice. Swimming lessons. Tutoring sessions. After spending a full day in a child care facility or at school, many children also participate in extracurricular activities in the evenings or during the weekends.
Can you write off kids extracurricular activities on taxes?
Most expenses associated with after school and extracurricular sports are not tax-deductible – even if the programs are affiliated with a school. That includes what you spend on instruction, equipment, accessories, and uniforms. But I did say “most” expenses – not all. There are a few exceptions to this rule.
What are the drawbacks of dependent care FSA?
Drawbacks of Dependent Care FSA
If money is left over at the end of the year, it doesn't carry over to the next year. If your employer doesn't offer this account, there is no other way to get one. Your FSA can only pay for qualifying expenses, while you're working.
What can FSA dependent care be used for?
A Dependent Care FSA (DCFSA) is a pre-tax benefit account used to pay for eligible dependent care services, such as preschool, summer day camp, before or after school programs, and child or adult daycare. It's a smart, simple way to save money while taking care of your loved ones so that you can continue to work.
What qualifies as child and dependent care expenses?
To qualify for the child and dependent care credit, you must have paid someone, such as a daycare provider, to care for one or more of the following people: a child under age 13 when the care was provided whom you claim as a dependent on your tax return.
Can I use dependent care FSA for YMCA membership?
However, if a YMCA membership is necessary to treat a medical condition such as obesity, some benefits administrators may accept a Letter of Medical Necessity from a doctor to cover this membership. In all other cases, a YMCA membership is not eligible for reimbursement with an FSA.
Are there restrictions on dependent care FSA?
Using a Dependent Care FSA
The money in your FSA can only be used for expenses for: A dependent who is younger than 13. A spouse who is unable to work and care for themselves. Another adult dependent who is unable to care for themselves and for whom you claim the dependent exemption on your taxes8.
Can I use dependent care FSA for Montessori?
Eligible as long as the primary purpose of the expense is custodial care so the parent can work. Most nursery schools (even Montessori) are custodial in nature. Yes, if included in daycare charges. No, if separate charge.
Is swimming a sport or activity?
Swimming is a popular activity and competitive sport where certain techniques are deployed to move through water. It offers numerous health benefits, such as strengthened cardiovascular health, muscle strength, and increased flexibility. It is suitable for people of all ages and fitness levels.
What are not considered extracurricular activities?
In truth, an extracurricular can be any activity not related to coursework that you spend time doing. So, for example, completing an essay or a school-assigned project would not be considered extracurricular, even though you may complete this task outside of school.
Is swimming physical education?
Swimming is an amazing lifelong fitness skill. As a result, swimming is a popular addition to physical education curriculum.
Are swim lessons tax deductible?
According to Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) released in 2023 by the IRS related to certain nutrition, wellness, and general health expenses, swimming lessons are not a qualified expense even if recommended by a doctor because the exercise is only for the improvement of general health.
Can you buy a pool with HSA?
Swimming pools with a Letter of Medical Necessity (LMN) are eligible for reimbursement with a flexible spending account (FSA), health savings account (HSA), a health reimbursement arrangement (HRA).
How do I write off a swim spa on my taxes?
If you purchase a hot tub, spa, or sauna for the health benefits, then you might be able to deduct the expense on your next income tax return. Here's what you need to know: You must have a note from your doctor recommending you hydrotherapy to treat a debilitating medical condition.
Can you use dependent care FSA for sports camps?
You are allowed to contribute $5,000 a year to a DCFSA per household, or $2,500 for married couples who file separately. The activity the camp specializes in does not matter as far as eligibility is concerned (whether it is sports-oriented, for example).
What qualifies for FSA dependent care?
A Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account (DCFSA) covers qualified day care expenses for children younger than age 13 and adult dependents who are incapable of caring for themselves. Dependent care FSA-eligible expenses include: Adult day care facilities. Application fees for daycare.
Can dependent care FSA be used for babysitter?
Yes, your dependent care FSA can reimburse you for expenses paid to a babysitter under the age of 19 as long as the babysitter is not you or your spouse's child, stepchild, foster child, or tax dependent.