U.S. Representative Shomari Figures, D-Alabama, introduced legislation Wednesday intended to help families cover the cost of children’s extracurricular activities.
The Affordable Youth Enrichment Opportunities Act would create a federal tax deduction for parents who pay out of pocket for activities including youth sports, arts programs, academic enrichment and other youth programs.
Supporters of the bill say those programs can boost children’s self-esteem and academic achievement while helping deter behavioral problems and other future challenges. But as costs continue to rise, children in poor and working-class families have increasingly found themselves shut out of those opportunities.
“Every child deserves the opportunity to pursue activities that help them reach their full potential regardless of their family’s financial circumstances,” Figures said. “Whether it is tutoring, youth sports, or training in the arts, such as music, theater, or dance, families are facing growing costs to help their children gain the valuable lessons and benefits of extracurricular activities. I’m proud to introduce this bill to give parents a well-deserved tax break to help ensure that more children have access to activities that shape character, build skills, and prepare them for future success.”
Under the Affordable Youth Enrichment Opportunities Act, eligible parents who itemize deductions and pay out-of-pocket expenses for qualified academic, athletic or artistic enrichment activities for their children could claim a tax deduction of up to $5,000 a year.
Parents would be eligible if their modified adjusted gross income does not exceed the applicable threshold, which ranges from $100,000 to $200,000, depending on filing status.
