Despite the fact that we all have to pay taxes, there are a number of deductions and tax credits that can help you maximize your tax refund. Here are seven tips to boost your disposable income, get a higher tax refund, and start saving more.
The deadline to file your 2022 tax return is May 1st, 2023. The majority of my clients come to me in March and April asking how to reduce their tax bill this year. In reality, you should ask this question earlier in November or December, when you still have time to take advantage of the benefits and deductions that might help you.
Word to the wise: Don’t wait until tax time to educate yourself.
In the wake of constant changes to the Canadian tax system, it can be hard to keep up and many people do not learn what credits and deductions are available until the last minute. In the future, you'll be more likely to remember what receipts or other documentation you need to make a claim when you know what you're entitled to.
The big question on lots of people’s mind is: how to get a larger refund or pay less taxes in Canada?
Let's examine the possibilities.
1. Childcare expenses and family benefits
Daycares, summer camps, overnight boarding schools, and nannies are examples of childcare expenses you can use to lower your taxable income.
For family benefits such as the GST/HST Credit and Canada Child Benefit (CCB), you must file your taxes every year. If you are a family with a low to modest income, then GST/HST Credit is designed to offset a percentage of the GST/HST that you pay on everyday purchases.
CCB is a tax-free monthly payment that helps cover the costs of raising children under the age of 18. Currently, children under the age of 6 are eligible for up to $569 per month. Children between the ages of 6 and 17 are eligible for up to $480 per month. A family's exact payment amount is determined by the number of children in your household and your adjusted family net income.
2. Medical expenses
You can claim non-refundable tax credits for a wide range of CRA approved medical expenses, including dental checkups, laser eye surgery, orthopedic shoes, and private insurance premiums. Make sure you keep all receipts, prescriptions, and other supporting documents in case CRA requests documentation later on.
3. Vehicle expenses
The expenses you incur when using your vehicle for work purposes may be deductible. These expenses may include fuel, insurance, licensing and registration fees, maintenance and repairs, leasing costs, and interest on vehicle financing.
When you purchase a vehicle that you intend to use for work purposes, you can additionally claim a capital cost allowance (CCA), allowing you to claim a portion of the vehicle’s purchase price each year going forward to a maximum of $30,000 for passenger vehicles and $55,000 for zero-emission passenger vehicles.
It is only possible to write off the portion of the car you use for business purposes if the car is also your personal vehicle. The mileage, date, and purpose of each business related trip must be recorded in a logbook(paper or electronic is suitable). To be prepared in case of an audit, make sure you document all expenses and keep receipts organized in one place.
Under certain circumstances, salaried/commisoned employees may also be able to deduct vehicle expenses. However, your commute to and from work does not qualify.
4. Union/professional dues and other employment expenses
There are several types of professional associations and union fees that can be used to reduce your taxable income. These include trade union membership fees, dues to professional boards, and insurance premiums related to your profession.
As long as you are required by your contract to maintain or participate in these memberships and you are not reimbursed for them, they are deductible in determining your taxable income. You may also be eligible to deduct other expenses you incurred to earn employment income, such as cell phone bills and office supplies and a portion of your housing expenses if you work from home. The majority of employees are not able to claim tools, clothing, and travel expenses.
5. Registered Retirement Savings Plan (RRSP) contributions
A RRSP contribution can lower your tax bill and increase your refund or decrease your balance owing. The deadline for 2022 contributions is March 1, 2023. You can find your RRSP contribution limit in your CRA My Account or on your last notice of assessment. It is 18% of your earned income from the last tax year (up to $27,830 for 2021) plus any unused amounts.
If your taxable income is more than $50,000, you should consider maximizing your RRSP, so that you can get even more tax savings, but if you make less than $50,000, you might want to contribute to a Tax-Free Savings Account (TFSA) instead until you are in a higher tax bracket.
6. Simplified home office deduction
Almost half a million Canadians now have the luxury of working from home as a result of the pandemic. If you are one of them, you could claim up to $500 (250 working days) using the flat rate method offered by the CRA.
During the tax year, you must meet all of the following criteria to be eligible for this simplified home office deduction:
As a result of COVID-19 or a mandate from your employer, you worked from home in 2022
At least 50% of your work hours over a minimum of 4 consecutive weeks in 2022 working from home.
It is not necessary to calculate the size of your workspace, keep supporting documents, or request a long Form T2200 if you use the simplified method.
7. Interest paid on student loans
CRA allows you to deduct student loan interest with some limitations. A taxpayer can only claim interest paid on loans received under the Canada Student Financial Assistance Act, the Canada Student Loans Act, or equivalent provincial or territorial programs. Taxpayers are not permitted to claim interest on domestic or foreign bank loans or lines of credit.
Since the credit for student loan interest is not a use it or lose it claim, taxpayers can accumulate receipts for up to five years before making a claim resulting in even more tax savings.
Hopefully these tips will help you get a larger refund, though remember you only get a refund because you let the government use your money for free. Tax planning can help you to receive the largest refund or pay less tax in your situation.
Please feel free to reach out if you believe that a tax professional like myself would able to help you in your situation save money on taxes.
Christine Walters
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