Deductions and tax credits can help lower the amount of tax you have to pay. However, having deductions or credits does not automatically mean you will receive a refund. Your refund or balance owing is still based on your overall tax situation, including your income, how much tax you already paid, and the deductions and credits you qualify for. Every tax return is different.
Deductions & Credits
Business / Self-Employment Income
Income from operating your own business, contracting, freelancing, providing services or doing side jobs.4A – Box 20 or Box 48. May relate to self-employment, commission or fees for services. Eligible expenses may be deductible depending on the situation.
Self-Employment & Business Income
Cash Income
Business or service income received in cash may still need to be reported.
Online Business / Sales
Income earned from selling goods or providing services online may need to be reported.
Rental Property Income
Income received from renting a house, condo, basement suite, room, or other property.
No Tax Slip?
Income may still need to be reported even if you did not receive a tax slip. Tell us about all income you received during the year. If you're unsure, provide the information to us and we can determine how it should be reported.
Deductions & Credits
Deductions and tax credits can help lower the amount of tax you have to pay. However, having deductions or credits does not automatically mean you will receive a refund.
Your refund or balance owing is still based on your overall tax situation, including your income, how much tax you already paid, and the deductions and credits you qualify for.
Every tax return is different.
Savings & Contributions
RRSP Contributions
Contributions to your RRSP may reduce your taxable income. Provide all RRSP contribution receipts, including applicable contributions made during the first 60 days of the following year.
FHSA Contributions
Contributions to your First Home Savings Account may be deductible. Provide your FHSA contribution information and applicable documents.
Registered Pension Plan (RPP) Contributions
Eligible contributions to a registered workplace pension plan may be deductible and are commonly reported on your T4.
Employment Expenses – T2200
If your employer requires you to pay certain expenses to perform your job, you may be able to claim eligible employment expenses. Your employer may need to complete Form T2200 – Declaration of Conditions of Employment.
↳ Vehicle Expenses
Certain employment-related fuel, insurance, repairs, maintenance and other vehicle costs may qualify. Keep receipts and a kilometre log.
↳ Cellphone / Airtime
Certain employment-use cellphone costs may qualify if you are required to use your personal phone for work.
↳ Home Office Expenses
Certain home expenses may qualify if you are required to work from home and meet the applicable workspace requirements.
↳ Office Supplies
Certain supplies you are required to purchase and use for your employment may qualify.
↳ Tools
Special deductions may be available to qualifying tradespersons and apprentice mechanics for eligible tools.
↳ Travel Expenses
Certain employment-related travel expenses may qualify depending on your conditions of employment.
Important: A T2200 does not automatically make all of these expenses deductible. Each expense has its own requirements.
Other Deductions & Credits
Union & Professional Dues
Certain annual union and professional dues may be deductible. Some may already appear on your T4.
Support Payments
Certain qualifying support payments may be deductible depending on the type of support and your agreement or court order. (Separated or Divorced only)
Carrying Charges & Investment Expenses
Certain investment management fees, accounting fees, and interest expenses incurred to earn investment income may qualify.
Volunteer Firefighter / Search & Rescue
Qualifying volunteer firefighters and search-and-rescue volunteers may be entitled to a tax credit.
Northern Residents
Northern Residents Deduction
If you lived in a prescribed northern or intermediate zone for at least 6 consecutive months, you may qualify. CRA divides this into a residency deduction and a travel deduction.
↳ Residency Deduction
Based on eligible days living in the prescribed zone and your living situation.
↳ Travel Deduction
Certain eligible personal and medical trips may qualify. Supporting travel information and records may be required.
Commonly called “Northern Living” or “Northern Lights.” Your residency deduction is not simply based on how much rent you paid.
Education
Tuition – T2202
Provide your T2202 from an eligible post-secondary institution. Eligible tuition amounts may be claimed, transferred, or carried forward depending on the circumstances.
Student Loan Interest
Interest paid on an eligible government student loan may qualify for a tax credit. Provide your interest statement.
Eligible Educator School Supply Tax Credit
Eligible teachers and early childhood educators who personally paid for qualifying teaching supplies may qualify for a refundable tax credit.
Medical & Disability
Medical Expenses
Eligible expenses may include certain prescription medications, dental care, eyeglasses, medical devices, treatments, and other qualifying medical expenses.
Disability Tax Credit (DTC)
If you or an eligible dependant has been approved for the Disability Tax Credit, a disability amount may be available.
Disability Amount Transferred from a Dependant
In certain situations, an unused disability amount may be transferred to an eligible supporting family member.
Disability Supports Deduction
Certain expenses paid to enable a person with a disability to work, attend school, or conduct research may qualify.
Donations & Contributions
Charitable Donations
Donations to registered charities and other qualified organizations may qualify. Provide your official donation receipts.
Political Contributions
Eligible federal or provincial political contributions may qualify for a tax credit. Provide your official receipt.
Family & Dependants
Child Care Expenses
Daycare, dayhome, babysitting, and certain camps may qualify when the childcare was required for an eligible purpose. Keep the provider's receipt and information.
Spouse or Common-Law Partner Amount
If your spouse or common-law partner had low income and you supported them, you may qualify for a tax credit.
Eligible Dependant Amount
If you are single, separated, divorced, or widowed and support an eligible dependant, you may qualify depending on your circumstances.
Caregiver Amounts
If you support certain family members, tell us about them. Eligibility varies depending on the credit and can involve the person's relationship to you, income, age, living arrangements, and infirmity.
Adoption Expenses
Certain expenses incurred when adopting a child may qualify.
Home & Property
Home Buyers' Amount
Tell us if you purchased a qualifying home during the year. You may qualify if you meet the applicable requirements.
Home Accessibility Tax Credit
Certain renovations made to improve the accessibility or safety of a home for an eligible senior or person eligible for the DTC may qualify.
Multigenerational Home Renovation Tax Credit
Certain expenses to create a qualifying secondary unit for an eligible senior or adult eligible for the DTC may qualify.
Moving Expenses
Certain moving expenses may be deductible if you moved for qualifying work, business, or post-secondary education and meet the applicable distance and other requirements.
Not Sure What You Can Claim?
You don't need to know every tax deduction or credit. Tell us about your expenses, contributions, family situation, work expenses, medical expenses, and any major changes during the year.
We will review your information and determine which deductions and credits may apply to you.
Keep your receipts and supporting documents. Some deductions and credits may require proof.