Can I use FSA money for Ski Camp?

[Anonymous]

I have $600 left of my dependent care FSA that needs to be used this year. My plan can extend to March, but that does not really help with camps, so I really think it is best to use it over winter break. Kids are excited to do winter break camp as they have never done that. DD suggested ski camp. The local places do have day camps, but they are not just for days off school or for childcare. Would they still be an allowable expense?

Thanks!

[Anonymous]

bump

[Anonymous]

Are you kidding?

[Anonymous]

It is only covered if it allows both parents to work..though there is probably no way for FSA to know if you are at work that day or not.

[Anonymous]

Actually, I think you probably could if it's a day camp that covers child care while you are (supposed to be) working. I've used my FSA for spring and winter break camps, and we use much of my FSA for summer camps every year. (our extended day only costs about $3K/year.)

You'd need a receipt from the camp that lists their Tax ID (EIN) number, the dates covered, the full name and address and the dependent's name, I think.

[Anonymous]

Actually, I think so. I use it for Days Off camp and there's no way for the FSA folks to know for certain that I wasn't also off that day.

[Anonymous]

Sleep-away camps are not covered and you can't prorate the time, either.

Camp, Overnight
The cost of overnight camp is not reimbursable, even when the daytime portion is broken out. Overnight camp is not considered an eligible expense by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS).

http://www.aetna.com/members/fsa/eligibleExpenses/depcareFSA/dependentcareFSA_C.html

[Anonymous]

Day camps are covered, however. Is there a local day ski camp?!

[Anonymous]

OP here- thanks for the responses. I actually put the amount of money I thought I would need for summer camp. However, a family emergency caused us to not need summer camp for a week for both kids- hence the $600 left over. As I can telework, I really was planning on having the children use it while I work if they got to Liberty or Whitetail or something not too far away for a day trip. I know this is stretching it, but I don't see the need to lose the money if I don't need to!

[Anonymous]

I really don't think it is a stretch if say your neighbor takes the kids on a no school day and you are at work. It is not different than if same neighbor dropped them at any other no school day camp.

[Anonymous]

are you talking about this: https://www.skiwhitetail.com/winter/learning/kids-mountain-camp

[Anonymous]

What a PITA getting up there and back every day.

[Anonymous]

14:41 - I think the OP is saying she would take the kids and telework from the lodge or hotel room while they skiied.

Sounds like an awesome plan to me!

[Anonymous]

Here is the list, I would say it would not be covered. Put the kids in Theatre Camp https://www.wageworks.com/employees/support-center/dcfsa-eligible-expenses-table/

[Anonymous]

If the care allows you to work, it is covered. You might receive a rejection and have to convince them. In the alternative, I think Cabin John has ice skating camp over Winter Break.