This article is an updated version of our earlier post on overlooked deductions. Read the original here.
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Many business owners are missing key deductions that reduce taxable income.
Key Deductions You May Be Missing
Vehicle Expenses
If you use a personal vehicle for business, you can deduct a portion of operating costs, including fuel, insurance, maintenance, and repairs. The CRA increased 2026 automobile deduction limits and mileage rates, making accurate record‑keeping essential. Tip: Maintain a current logbook and keep all receipts related to business travel.
Business‑Use‑of‑Home Expenses
You may be able to deduct part of your utilities, rent, property taxes, or mortgage interest if your home is your principal place of business or if you regularly meet clients there. Claims cannot create a business loss, unused amounts carry forward.
Meals and Entertainment
Most business‑related meal and entertainment costs are 50% deductible. Be sure to document the purpose of the meeting and who attended. Certain staff events continue to qualify for 100% deductibility.
Capital Cost Allowance (CCA)
CCA allows you to deduct the cost of capital assets like equipment, furniture, vehicles, and computers over time. Common classes include:
- Class 8 (20%) – equipment, furniture
- Class 10/10.1 (30%) – most vehicles
- Class 50 (55%) – computers and systems hardware
Bad Debts
If you’ve made reasonable efforts to collect a receivable and it remains unpaid, you can deduct it as a bad debt in the year it becomes uncollectible, provided it was previously included in income.
GST/HST Input Tax Credits (ITCs)
ITCs are often denied due to incomplete documentation. CRA requires specific invoice details depending on the purchase amount, such as a supplier’s GST/HST registration number for purchases over $30 and the purchaser’s name for invoices over $150.
Checklist to Prepare for Tax Season
- Updated mileage log
- Home‑office expense calculations
- Properly documented meal receipts
- Asset list with correct CCA classes
- Documentation for any bad‑debt write‑offs
- GST/HST receipts that meet CRA requirements
Accounting and Advisory Support for Canadian Business Owners
Knowing which deductions apply to your business and documenting them correctly can meaningfully reduce your tax bill. KWB can help you identify missed opportunities, remain compliant, and prepare confidently for tax season. Schedule an introductory meeting today to learn how we can support your success.
