Mini Crossword – Winter

11 strange tax deductions Canadians can actually claim on their federal return this year

<img src="https://www.mtlblog.com/media-library/canada-tax-return-concept-with-canada-revenue-agency-envelope-and-canadian-dollars.jpg?id=60028786&width=1200&height=800&coordinates=93%2C0%2C94%2C0"/><br/><br/><p>While most Canadians stick to the basics when filing their annual tax return, the <a href="https://www.mtlblog.com/tag/canada-revenue-agency" target="_blank">Canada Revenue Agency (CRA)</a> allows for a surprising number of unusual (but totally legal) deductions — if you know where to look.</p><p>After giving MTL Blog the lowdown on the most bizarre federal <a href="https://www.mtlblog.com/surprising-bizarre-federal-tax-deductions" target="_blank">tax deductions to claim on your personal income tax return in 2023</a>, H&R Block spokesperson Yannick Lemay has confirmed an updated list of this year's weirdest and most surprising deductions for the 2024 tax season.</p><p>So before you hit submit on your return (<a href="https://www.mtlblog.com/quebec-tax-deadline-missed" target="_blank">the deadline is April 30</a>), you might want to double-check if any of these 11 unexpected write-offs apply to you.</p><h3>Marijuana</h3><br/><p>No, your weekend stash doesn't count. But if you have a valid medical document from a healthcare professional and buy your cannabis from a licensed provider, it's eligible as a medical expense. You'll need to be registered with that provider, but the <a href="https://www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/services/tax/individuals/topics/about-your-tax-return/tax-return/completing-a-tax-return/deductions-credits-expenses/lines-33099-33199-eligible-medical-expenses-you-claim-on-your-tax-return/details-medical-expenses.html#mrjn" target="_blank">CRA has confirmed</a> this one is fair game.</p><h3>Spray tans and fake eyelashes</h3><br/><p>According to an <a href="https://www.hrblock.ca/en/blog/canadas-most-embarrassing-tax-questions-answered" target="_blank">H&R Block blog post</a> titled "Canada's most embarrassing tax questions, answered," you might be able to write off things like spray tans, bikini waxes, or even eyelash extensions — but only if they're essential to your job and not just for personal upkeep.</p><p> For example, if you're involved in professional modelling, acting, or promotional work that specifically requires those services for a shoot or appearance, the CRA may consider them valid expenses. That said, you'll need official confirmation from your employer. A <span style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">completed<a href="https://www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/services/forms-publications/forms/t2200.html" target="_blank"> T2200 form </a>is also</span> required to show that covering these costs is a condition of your employment.</p><h3>Sunglasses and swimming goggles</h3><br/><p>But only if they're prescription, in which case both are eligible for the medical expense tax credit.</p><p> This is a good one to keep in the back of your mind for the future. If you're thinking of getting a new pair of shades or swim goggles and you have a diagnosed vision impairment, you might as well make them prescription so you can claim them.</p><h3>Vitamins</h3><br/><p>Well, more specifically, Vitamin B12... and only if prescribed as "therapy for a person with pernicious anemia (either by injection, pills or other methods)," according to the <a href="https://www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/services/tax/individuals/topics/about-your-tax-return/tax-return/completing-a-tax-return/deductions-credits-expenses/lines-33099-33199-eligible-medical-expenses-you-claim-on-your-tax-return/details-medical-expenses.html#mrjn" target="_blank">Government of Canada</a>. </p><p>The weirdest part is that absolutely no other vitamins or supplements are eligible to be claimed as medical expenses, so it's a pretty niche benefit. If you have pernicious anemia, this one's for you.</p><h3>Condoms</h3><br/><p>As odd as it may sound, yes, in certain situations, even <a href="https://www.hrblock.ca/en/blog/canadas-most-embarrassing-tax-questions-answered" target="_blank">condoms can qualify as a legitimate business expense</a>. According to <a href="https://www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/services/tax/businesses/topics/sole-proprietorships-partnerships/business-expenses.html?utm_source=chatgpt.com" target="_blank">the CRA</a>, any purchase that's considered a reasonable cost directly tied to earning income may be tax-deductible, including the GST/HST you paid on it. </p><p>So, if you run an adult production company where such items are essential to your operations, they could very well make the list.</p><h3>Digital news subscriptions</h3><br/><p>You can claim a credit for digital news subscriptions, but only if the outlet is on the <a href="https://www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/services/tax/individuals/topics/about-your-tax-return/tax-return/completing-a-tax-return/deductions-credits-expenses/deductions-credits-expenses/digital-news-subscription/list-qualifying-digital-news-subscriptions.html#wb-auto-4" target="_blank">CRA's approved list</a>. </p><p>The credit covers 15% of what you spent, up to a maximum of $500. If you share the subscription with someone else, like a roommate or partner, you can split the credit between you, as long as the total doesn't go over the limit.</p><h3>Lingerie</h3><br/><p>Strippers are known for taking off their clothes, but buying those outfits could actually be a tax write-off.</p><p>Clothing usually doesn't qualify as a business expense, so the designer jeans you bought for your 9-to-5 likely won't make the cut. But if you're a performer and your outfits are strictly for work, like costumes used on stage or in production, they may be deductible. </p><p>The key is that they can't double as everyday wear.</p><h3>Firefighting</h3><br/><p>Being a firefighter will get you a tax deduction, but only if <a href="https://www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/services/tax/individuals/topics/about-your-tax-return/tax-return/completing-a-tax-return/deductions-credits-expenses/line-31220-volunteer-firefighters-amount-line-31240-search-rescue-volunteers-amount.html" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">you're a volunteer</a>. You can claim up to $6,000 (previously $3,000) for the volunteer firefighters' amount or search and rescue volunteers' amount, but not both. </p><p>Also, you must have completed 200 hours of eligible volunteering at either service.</p><h3>Food (but only if you're burning serious calories)</h3><br/><p>Claiming lunch as a business expense is usually a no-go, unless you're a bike or foot courier.</p><p>In a <a href="https://taxinterpretations.com/content/356370?utm_source=chatgpt.com" target="_blank">1998 case</a>, a bike courier convinced the Federal Court that the extra food he ate for energy was a legit business expense — like gas for a car. The CRA doesn't usually allow food write-offs, but this ruling set a rare precedent.</p><p>So, if you're burning a ton of calories at work, your snacks might be claimable. Just be ready to defend it.</p><h3>Crutches</h3><br/><p>While you'd probably only buy crutches if you really needed them, you can claim them without a doctor's note. That means even if you picked up a pair of crutches for a costume or to pull off a prank, they can still qualify as a medical expense under the <a href="https://www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/services/tax/individuals/topics/about-your-tax-return/tax-return/completing-a-tax-return/deductions-credits-expenses/lines-33099-33199-eligible-medical-expenses-you-claim-on-your-tax-return/details-medical-expenses.html#mrjn" target="_blank">CRA's guidelines</a>. Strange, but true.</p><h3>Living with your parents</h3><br/><p>This might not be exactly what you're thinking...</p><p>But if you've renovated your home to add a separate suite for a senior or adult with a disability — like an aging parent — you could qualify for the <a href="https://www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/services/tax/individuals/topics/about-your-tax-return/tax-return/completing-a-tax-return/deductions-credits-expenses/multigenerational-home-renovation.html" target="_blank">Multigenerational Home Renovation Tax Credit</a>. It's a refundable credit of up to $7,500 (15% of up to $50,000 in renovation costs). To be eligible, the space must be self-contained (with its own entrance, kitchen, bathroom, and bedroom), and the relative needs to live there within 12 months of the work being done.</p><p><em><br/></em></p><p><em><br/></em></p><p><em><br/></em></p><p><em><br/></em></p><p><em><br/></em></p><p><em><br/></em></p><p><em><br/></em></p>