Youth soccer is expenses, but there are only limited times when you can take a tax deduction for youth soccer.
Youth soccer expenses are generally not tax deductible.
As a general rule, the cost of signing up for soccer isn’t deductible. This includes your registration fees, soccer gear, travel costs, and other soccer expenses.
The reason you can’t usually take a tax deduction is that youth sports is a recreational activity and personal expense. The IRS doesn’t have deductions for personal activities.
You may get a tax break for soccer camps or after-school programs.
If you enroll your child in a camp or after-school program, you may be able to qualify for the Child and Dependent Care Tax Credit.
The Child and Dependent Care Tax credit offsets your costs of childcare while you’re working or looking for work. Childcare can include a soccer camp or after-school soccer programs. It’s the same as if you send your child to a traditional daycare or hire a babysitter.
In order to qualify, the soccer activities need to be while you’re at work or looking for work (if you’re between jobs). If the camp or program is during your time off, you generally can’t take the credit. Also, if you’re married, both spouses generally need to be either working or looking for work.
The tax credit is worth up to $1,050 if you have one child or $2,100 if you have multiple children. It’s usually worth between 20% to 35% of your qualified childcare expenses depending on your income.
To learn more about the Child and Dependent Care credit, see this IRS guide.
Donations to Your Soccer Club
If your soccer club is a registered non-profit organization, you can generally deduct donations to your club as a charitable contribution itemized tax deduction.
Note that donations generally don’t include your registration fees or your share of team expenses (referee fees, tournament fees, travel costs, etc). Donations are additional amounts you contribute such as extra money to help other players who can’t afford the costs.
Like with any deduction, you’ll need to request a receipt for tax purposes.