Social Work included in Medical Expense Tax Credit

CASW is exceptionally pleased that Canadians who access clinical services provided by social workers now have the ability to claim these services on their income tax through the Medical Expense Tax Credit (METC).

 

This is a huge step forward for the profession. It means that as of September 26, 2012, Registered Social Workers (RSW) will be authorized as ‘medical practitioners’ under the Income Tax Act for the purpose of claiming medical expenses on income tax returns. 

Consequently, all Private Practitioners should be including the Registration Number assigned to you by your respective provincial social work regulatory bodies on all receipts given to clients.

Under the METC, the federal government gives a non- refundable credit of 15 per cent on allowable medical expenses that exceed 3 per cent of the taxpayer's net income or $2,109 in 2012, whichever is less. The provinces also offer credits.