Freelancer & Self-Employed Tax Deductions in Ontario (That People Miss)
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.
