I see this all the time at Paradis Bookkeeping. Clients come to me thinking their taxes are straightforward, only to discover that with the right claims, they could significantly reduce what they owe — or even increase their refund.
Why Self-Employed People Miss Credits
Running your own business means you’re responsible for every detail. That often includes bookkeeping and taxes, and without guidance, it’s easy to overlook credits. The CRA doesn’t exactly make it simple — there are dozens of programs, each with their own rules and fine print.
The problem? Every missed credit means paying more tax than you should.
10 CRA Tax Credits You Might Be Missing
Here are 10 common ones I review with my self-employed clients in Plantagenet and the surrounding areas:
- Home Office Expenses – If you run your business from home, you may be able to claim part of your rent, utilities, and internet.
- Vehicle Expenses – Business-related mileage, fuel, insurance, and maintenance may qualify.
- Capital Cost Allowance (CCA) – For larger assets like computers, office equipment, or vehicles, you may be able to claim depreciation.
- GST/HST Input Tax Credits – Many miss claiming the GST/HST paid on eligible business expenses.
- Professional Fees – Costs for accountants, lawyers, or business consultants can often be deducted.
- Training & Education – Courses, certifications, or training programs related to your work may qualify.
- Advertising & Marketing – Website costs, ads, and promotional expenses are frequently under-claimed.
- Health Premiums (Self-Employed) – Private health plan premiums can sometimes be deducted.
- Moving Expenses (If Business-Related) – If you relocated for work, certain moving costs could apply.
- Apprenticeship & Hiring Credits – If you hire employees, you may be eligible for additional tax credits.
Why This Matters
Every dollar you don’t claim is a dollar the CRA gets to keep. And when you’re self-employed, margins can be tight. Taking advantage of all available credits can free up cash flow to reinvest in your business or simply give you peace of mind at tax time.
I’ve had clients in Plantagenet discover they were missing thousands of dollars in deductions year after year. Once we corrected things, not only did they save money going forward, but in some cases, we were even able to adjust past filings to recover what they missed.
Book Your Free Tax-Savings Review
If you’re self-employed in Plantagenet or the Ottawa region, I’d love to help you uncover what you might be missing.
