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FEDERAL & PROVINCIAL FERTILITY TAX CREDITS

IVF & Fertility Tax Credits in Canada

There are three very important tax credits every Ontario resident should take advantage of when undergoing fertility treatment.

Let’s break them down and learn how they can significantly help offset the cost of your fertility care.

What are the 3 fertility tax credits available to Ontario residents?

If you are an Ontario resident going through fertility care, you may be eligible for three tax benefits in Canada.

1. Ontario Fertility Treatment Tax Credit (OFTTC)

A refundable personal income tax credit to help Ontarians with eligible medical expenses related to fertility treatment and surrogacy. The credit is available for expenses paid on January 1, 2025 or later.

2. Ontario Medical Expense Tax Credit (OMETC)

A non-refundable tax credit that reduces the amount of provincial income tax you owe when claiming eligible medical expenses on line 58689 of your provincial tax return.

3. Federal Medical Expense Tax Credit (METC)

A non-refundable tax credit that reduces the amount of federal income tax you owe when claiming eligible medical expenses on line 33099 of your federal tax return.

More good news: many fertility expenses can qualify for all three, meaning you are able to stack them—potentially reducing your tax payable (or improving your refund), depending on your situation.

What does stacking mean?
Stacking means you may be able to claim the same eligible fertility-related expenses (or portions of them) on:

  • your federal return (METC), and
  • your provincial return (OMETC) and (OFTTC)

Important to note: you cannot claim expenses you didn’t pay or were reimbursed for, and you must subtract amounts paid for by insurance, employer plans, or other programs.

Ontario Fertility Treatment Tax Credit (OFTTC)

Credit amount and qualification.

The OFTTC is claimed on line 61268 on your provincial tax return and allows a refund of 25% of eligible fertility treatment expenses, up to a maximum of $5,000 per tax year.  The most eligible expenses you can claim each year is $20,000 and the biggest refund/credit you could receive is $5,000.

To qualify for the OFTTC, the expenses must meet all the following conditions:

  • Expenses must be related to fertility treatment or fertility preservation, or to surrogacy costs
  • Are for goods and services provided entirely in Canada (overseas/international costs do not qualify)
  • Also qualify for the Ontario Medical Expense Tax Credit (OMETC) and the Federal Medical Expense Tax Credit (METC)
  • Must be proven by supporting receipts: it’s always a good idea to keep your fertility expense receipts all in one place to be prepared for tax time!

Who can claim the Ontario Fertility Treatment Tax Credit?

Any resident of Ontario undergoing fertility treatment can claim this credit if you meet the following conditions:

  • Were an Ontario resident in Ontario on the last day of the tax year
  • Have not claimed bankruptcy during the filing tax year
  • Only 1 person can claim the credit if you are filing jointly with your spouse or common-law partner. Eligible expenses for both partners are to be included in the claim

Who can claim the Ontario Fertility Treatment Tax Credit?
You can claim eligible fertility treatment and surrogacy expenses for the Ontario Fertility Tax Credit (OFTTC) for any 12-month period that matches your OFTTC claim—as long as that period ends in the tax year you’re filing for.For example, when filing your 2027 return, you may claim expenses paid during a 12-month period from 2026 to 2027 if:

  • The expenses were paid on or after Jan 1, 2025 (the date the credit took effect)
  • They weren’t claimed on an earlier return
  • You’re claiming the same expenses for the METC for the same tax year
  • The expenses were paid within the 12-month period you selected for the METC claim

Ontario Medical Expense Tax Credit (OMETC)

Credit deduction and qualification.

The OMETC is claimed on line 58689 of your provincial return. It gives you a credit worth ~5% of eligible medical expenses above a threshold — the lesser of 3% of your net income or $2,855 (2026 tax year). 

To qualify for the OMETC, the expenses must meet all of the following conditions:

  • The type of expense must be on the CRA eligible expense list
  • The expenses were paid in any 12-month period ending in the current tax year
  • Not claimed in previous tax years
  • Some expenses incurred outside Canada are eligible (always check with the CRA)
  • Must be proven by supporting receipts: it’s always a good idea to keep your medical expense receipts all in one place to be prepared for tax time!

Who can claim the Ontario Medical Expense Tax Credit?

Any Ontario resident filing a tax return and undergoing fertility treatment can claim this credit. Only 1 person can claim the credit if you are filing jointly with your spouse or common-law partner. Eligible expenses for both partners are to be included in the claim.

Federal Medical Expense Tax Credit (METC)

Credit deduction and qualification.

The METC is claimed on line 33099 of your federal return. It gives you a credit worth 15% of eligible medical expenses above a threshold — the lesser of 3% of your net income or $2,834 (2026 tax year).

To qualify for the METC, the expenses must meet all of the following conditions:

  • The type of expense must be on the CRA eligible expense list
  • The expenses were paid in any 12-month period ending in the current tax year
  • Not claimed in previous tax years
  • Some expenses incurred outside Canada are eligible (always check with the CRA)
  • Must be proven by supporting receipts: it’s always a good idea to keep your medical expense receipts all in one place to be prepared for tax time!

Who can claim the Federal Medical Expense Tax Credit?

Any individual filing a tax return and undergoing fertility treatment can claim this credit. Only 1 person can claim the credit if you are filing jointly with your spouse or common-law partner. Eligible expenses for both partners are to be included in the claim.

Eligible vs. ineligible expenses for all 3 tax credits

The eligible expenses for the Ontario Fertility Treatment Tax Credit (OFTTC) are the same as those that qualify for the Ontario and Federal  Medical Expense Tax Credits.

These could change, so always check the CRA website for the most up-to-date information.

Eligible Expenses:

Fertility Treatment  Procedures:

The cost incurred for fees of any fertility treatment or Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) procedures such as ICSI, Sperm Extraction, Sperm Processing, IUI, IVF, Embryo Transfers, Egg Freezing and Sperm Freezing

Egg and/or Sperm and/or Embryo frozen storage fees:

Any costs associated with cryostorage fees paid to a clinic or lab within the particular tax year

Donor Eggs and/or Sperm:

Fees paid to purchase Eggs or Sperm from a donor bank or agency

Surrogacy Expenses:

Any expenses incurred in Canada and are a type that would be otherwise permitted as a medical expense of the individual

Related Medications:

Prescribed medications (with a DIN #) necessary for fertility treatment. Please note, full or partial reimbursed expenses that are eligible under a private health plan are not eligible, however you may claim the uncovered portion.

Needles and Syringes:

Costs associated with purchasing materials needed to administer (prescribed) medications

Consultation Fees:

Fees paid for medical consultations related to fertility treatments

Medical  Tests:

Necessary medical and laboratory tests associated with fertility treatment procedures that aren’t OHIP covered

Clinical Fees:

If the fertility treatment procedure involves use of clinical facilities, these expenses can be claimed

Travel Expenses:

In some cases, if you must travel more than 40 km (one way) from your home for fertility treatments, related travel expenses such as gas, mileage, taxis, bus, train, meals and accommodation, may qualify. Keep all of your receipts!

Allied Health Practitioner Fees:

In Ontario, the OMETC and the METC (Federal) allows fertility treatment related expenses from certain allied health professional expenses such as naturopaths, chiropractors, acupuncturists, social workers and psychologists. For a full list of inclusions by province click here.

Ineligible Expenses:

Over-the-Counter Medications:

Medications that are not prescribed, even if they are recommended for fertility treatment, are generally not eligible

Non-Medical Allied Health Practitioner Services:

Services like acupuncture or massages, unless prescribed as a necessary part of the fertility treatment, typically are not eligible

Insurance Premiums:

Payments for health insurance plans that cover fertility treatments are usually not eligible as a direct medical expense

Cosmetic Procedures:

Any procedures or treatments that are cosmetic in nature, even if related to fertility treatments, are excluded

Vitamins and Supplements:

Unless prescribed by a doctor for a specific medical condition related to IVF, these are typically not eligible

General Health Services:

Gym memberships, personal training, or general health services, even if beneficial to overall fertility, are not eligible

Helpful tips.

Eligible Expenses:

Be sure to check the eligible expenses list provided in the information on this page.

Receipts and Documentation:

Keep thorough records and receipts of all medical expenses related to IVF treatments. Documentation should be detailed and include information such as the date of payment, the type of service, and the provider.

Understanding the Tax Code:

Familiarize yourself with the specific provisions of the Ontario tax code related to medical expenses. The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) provides guidelines on what can be claimed under the credits.

Consult a Professional:

Tax laws can be complex, and their application can vary based on individual circumstances. It's advisable to consult with a tax professional or an accountant who is knowledgeable about medical expense claims.

Filing Your Tax Return:

When filing your tax return, include your fertility-related medical expenses under the medical expense deduction section. Ensure that you're following the current year's guidelines for claiming these expenses.

Timing of Expenses:

The Ontario Fertility Tax Credit can be claimed for expenses paid dating back to January 1, 2025 if they have not been claimed in previous tax years. Plan your medical expenses accordingly.

CRA Review:

Be prepared for the possibility of the CRA reviewing your claim. Having your documentation organized and readily available will be essential.

Remember, tax regulations can change,

and it’s important to have the most current information.  Always refer to the latest guidelines provided by the CRA or consult with a tax expert for advice specific to your situation.

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