When you work for yourself, every legitimate deduction you claim is money back in your pocket. Here are the big ones the self-employed most often miss.
Home office
If you work from home, you can claim a portion of your rent or mortgage interest, utilities, and internet — based on the share of your space used for work. Done properly, it’s one of the largest deductions available.
Vehicle
Business use of your car — mileage or a share of actual costs — is deductible, but you need a logbook to back it up. No log, no claim if the CRA asks.
The everyday ones
Marketing and ads, software and subscriptions, professional fees, a portion of your phone, supplies and equipment — all deductible when they’re genuinely for the business and you keep the receipts.
Keep clean records
The deductions are only as good as your records. A simple system (or a bookkeeper) turns “I think I spent that” into a defensible claim.
FAQ
Can I claim a home office as a freelancer? Yes — a reasonable portion of home costs based on the space you use for work.
How do I claim vehicle expenses? Track business mileage in a log; you claim the business-use share of your costs.
What records do I need? Receipts, a mileage log, and clean books — we can set you up.
Do I have to charge HST? Once you pass $30,000 in revenue over four quarters, yes.
