Courtesy of Rep. Josh Gottheimer’s Office
Rep. Josh Gottheimer (D-NJ) has introduced the Promoting Lifelong Activity for Youth Act, which aims to expand tax credits for youth sports parents and boost participation.
The PLAY Act is co-sponsored by Rep. Mike Lawler (R-NY). He and Gottheimer previously proposed the bill in 2023; Lawler proposed legislation creating a youth sports equipment tax credit earlier this year.
The bill would change current tax law and allow parents to apply certain youth sports expenses toward the Child and Dependent Care Tax Credit.
The bill also creates a youth sports-specific federal grant program.
Up to $2K in eligible youth sports expenses toward the tax credit
Eligible expenses include equipment purchases and participation in local recreational and non-profit leagues
Expenses related to for-profit leagues and private lessons are not eligible
The bill would also increase the maximum tax credit to $4K for one kid and $7K for two or more
Federal grant program to create opportunities, remove access barriers and fund local organizations and programs
A press release from Gottheimer’s office references parents being able to use pre-tax dollars toward youth sports expenses, but the mechanism is unclear.
Gottheimer also criticized the Trump Administration for proposed cuts to federal funding for schools and the impact tariffs are having on youth sports equipment.
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