Tax Breaks for Parents

Being a parent isn’t cheap these days. With a lack of affordable childcare, the federal government is looking to give new parents a tax break.

The federal government has made a pledge that any maternity or parental benefits received through EI will be tax-exempt at source, beginning in 2020. This change means an extra $1,800 a year for someone who receives EI benefits and earns $45,000 a year.

The Liberals are also promising a 15-week leave for adoptive parents receiving EI benefits, the same length as maternity leave.

The popular Canada Child Benefit is also slated for an increase. The tax-free benefit will increase for new parents with kids under one year old. The 15% boost will mean an increase of as much as $1,000 for some parents. In July 2020, the base benefit is expected to be $7,750.

For parents of disabled children, the Child Disability Benefit almost doubled. The benefit is for families looking after a child under the age of 18 with disabilities who currently receive the DTC. The increase could mean more than $2,800 extra in the pockets of parents.

For parents of disabled children, the Child Disability Benefit is expected to double. The benefit is for families looking after a child under the age of 18 with disabilities who currently receive the DTC. The increase could mean more than $2,800 extra in the pockets of parents.