If your child will be going to unsubsidized daycare in 2024 and you want to receive advance payments of the tax credit for childcare expenses, now is the time to apply!

Number of days of care

Before applying, carefully estimate how many days your child will attend the daycare in the year.

For example, a child who attends a daycare centre full-time will receive roughly 260 days of care in the year. However, if your child is starting kindergarten in September 2024, do not count the days they'll be in school or the days they'll attend subsidized school daycare services, if applicable.

Important: If your daycare provider helps you count, make sure the estimated number of days of care corresponds to your situation. By entering the most accurate number in your application, you'll avoid having to pay back an overpayment.

Deadline: December 1

File your complete application by December 1 if you want to receive 12 equal monthly advance payments starting in January 2024. If we receive your application after the deadline, it won't change the amount you're entitled to for 2024, but the amount will be spread over the number of months remaining in the year after your application is processed.

We usually determine the amount of your advance payments within 45 days after receiving your application.

Ready to apply?

Complete your application online using My Account for individuals. It's fast, and you can update information in your file if you apply again next year. Or you can mail us your application.

To access the online service and find out what documents you need to apply for advance payments, click Applying for Advance Payments of the Tax Credit for Childcare Expenses and Required Documents.