Office of Rep. Shomari Figures
There is a new bid to put money back in youth sports parents’ pockets on Capitol Hill.
Rep. Shomari Figures (D-AL) has introduced the Affordable Youth Enrichment Opportunities Act, which would provide a tax deduction for costs related to youth sports and other activities, including academics and the arts.
Up to $5K a year in deductions
Income thresholds; capped at $200K for joint filers
Expenditures are eligible until dependent’s 19th birthday
Would take effect for 2027 tax year
This is not the first proposed bill involving youth sports tax breaks, but it is the most taxpayer-friendly so far.
The PLAY Act — re-introduced by Reps. Josh Gottheimer (D-NJ) and Mike Lawler (R-NY) earlier this year — would allow only up to $2K in youth sports expenses to go toward an expanded Child and Dependent Care Tax Credit.
That bill would also make fees related to for-profit leagues and private lessons ineligible. Figures’ bill has no such restrictions.
Lawler also introduced the Home Run For Kids Act in 2025, which would provide up to a $200 tax credit for youth sports equipment purchases; that bill also has income restrictions.
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