5 Surprising Tax Deductions in Canada You Might Be Missing

When it comes to taxes, most people think about the basics: RRSP contributions, medical expenses, maybe some charitable donations.
But Canada’s tax system actually allows for some surprising deductions — and missing them could mean leaving hundreds (or thousands) of dollars on the table.

Here are five surprising tax deductions you might be eligible for — and how to claim them!

1. Moving Expenses — Even for Students!

If you moved more than 40 kilometres closer to a new job, your own business, or even for a full-time post-secondary program, you may be able to claim moving expenses.

Eligible expenses include:

• Transportation and storage costs

• Temporary living expenses (up to 15 days)

• Realtor fees, legal fees, and penalties for breaking a lease

Example:
Emily moves from Calgary to Vancouver for university. Her $1,200 U-Haul rental and $800 in temporary accommodations could be deductible against her scholarship income!

2. Union and Professional Dues

You can claim annual membership fees for:

• Trade unions

• Professional associations (CPA, Engineers Canada, etc.)

• Even certain licensing fees needed to work in your industry

Pro Tip:
If your employer reimburses you for these dues, you can't claim them again personally.

3. Home Office Expenses — Even for Employees

Thanks to the shift toward remote work, many Canadians can now deduct home office expenses even if they are employees, not self-employed.

• Claim a portion of actual costs like electricity, internet, rent, maintenance, etc.

Reminder:
You must have worked more than 50% of the time from home for at least four consecutive weeks due to your employer’s requirements.

4. Medical Travel Costs

Did you travel at least 40 kilometres (one way) to get medical treatment that wasn’t available closer to home?

You can deduct:

• Mileage (with CRA's prescribed rates)

• Meals and accommodations if you traveled more than 80 kilometres

Example:
Raj drives 120 km round-trip every month for a specialist appointment. He can claim mileage costs and possibly a portion of meal expenses.

5. Tools for Tradespeople

If you’re a tradesperson (mechanic, carpenter, electrician), you can claim a deduction for the cost of eligible tools you bought to earn employment income.

• You may also qualify for a GST/HST rebate on the cost of the tools.

Limits apply, but in 2025 you can claim up to $1,000 in expenses for eligible tools purchased during the year!

Final Thoughts

Taxes don’t have to be painful — and a little knowledge can go a long way.
Whether it’s claiming moving expenses, professional dues, home office costs, or even your work tools, there are dozens of ways to legally lower your tax bill.

👉 Tip: Keep all your receipts and supporting documents for at least 6 years — CRA can ask to see them even after you file!

✨ Need help maximizing your deductions this year?
Let’s chat! A professional review could uncover savings you didn’t even know existed.