Get A Bigger Income Tax Return

Many people get stressed out and anxious when tax season comes around. Me? I love it. Besides the fact that I do Income Tax returns for a living, I always look forward to the extra money from my tax return. Today I'm going to tell you how you can get more (or owe less!) this next tax season.

I have helped clients with a history of paying $500-2,000 every year, get their first refund! And they've been coming back ever since, because with my help they've never paid another dime on their tax return.

*Note: If you live in Canada, and need your tax return filed, I ask that you please consider me. I can do everything via email or text, so distance isn't an issue. We are markedly cheaper than all of our 'competition', at only $50/return, regardless of how many T4's you have. I can also do returns for self-employed persons, but those are priced on a case-by-case basis. Also, in our 12+ years of business, we have only have ONE upset client- who we instantly refunded cash-in-hand.*

The underlined occupation is only set as an example, and can still apply to you even if you don't work in that industry.

If you use your cell phone to communicate with your boss/coworkers (Calling all contractors and farm labourers!)

-You can claim that cell phone bill!

An easy way to know if you can claim your cell phone is by asking yourself this: "Could I do my job without a cell phone?". For example, if you work for a lawn care company, you will need to call your boss to report when the job is done and ask for the next address. Of course, you can only claim the bill for the months you are employed and need that phone.

If this applies to you: Keep your receipts, and have your boss fill out a T2200. This form will need to be filled out yearly. You can assure your boss that this will not affect their tax return and they do not need to claim it.

If you use your vehicle at work (Calling farm & construction workers!):

-You can claim the cost of insurance for the vehicle.

-You can claim the fuel you use while working (keep receipts!)

-You can claim repairs & maintenance (keep your oil change receipts!)

This does not include the drive to and from work. This ONLY applies to the use of your vehicle during working hours. If you're not getting paid while driving, it's not part of your job, and you cannot claim it. However, there is an exception for those who work within the customers homes, and need to travel from one home to another without the use of a company truck.

If this applies to you: Keep your receipts, and have your boss fill out a T2200. This form will need to be filled out yearly. You can assure your boss that this will not affect their tax return and they do not need to claim it.

If you need PPE or tools at work (Calling industrial labourers!)

-You can claim gloves

-You can claim steel toe boots

-You can claim industry-specific tools

-You can claim any gear or supplies you bought personally that you would need for your job.

If this applies to you: Keep your receipts, and have your boss fill out a T2200. This form will need to be filled out yearly. You can assure your boss that this will not affect their tax return and they do not need to claim it.

If you have child(ren)

-You can claim swimming lessons, soccer lessons,dance lessons, or any other sport/activity that lasts a minimum of 8 weeks (maximum $500/year fror each child)

-You can claim summer/fitness camps that last a minimum of 5 consecutive days (this is inclusive of the $500 limit for fitness)

-You can claim painting classes, music lessons, and other art classes

-You can claim childcare expenses (ex. daycare).

Should more things come to mind, I will be certain to add them, as well as any new claims made available to Canadians. Until then, enjoy your big refund!