How Do You Know What You Can Claim?

Are You Leaving Money on the Table at Tax Time?
Many taxpayers miss out on valuable deductions and credits simply because they didn’t know they were eligible. Whether you're a renter, self-employed, a student, or living on a modest income — there's a good chance you're entitled to more than you realize.

Understanding what you can claim isn't always straightforward, but we’re here to make it easier.

How Do You Know What You Can Claim?

You can figure it out by checking:

• Your situation (e.g. renter, self-employed, low income, student, etc.)

• Your documents/slips (T4, T5, RRSP, receipts)

• CRA's checklists or tax software (they often auto-prompt eligible credits)

Let’s go through a master list of common credits/deductions, including some that often get missed, like the BC renter’s credit and Canada Workers Benefit (CWB).

Extra Deductions & Credits People Often Miss

Federal Programs (Apply on T1 Return):

Credit Eligibility Documents Needed Canada Workers Benefit (CWB) Low-income workers over 19 Tax software auto-calculates Home Office Expenses Worked from home during the year T2200 or simplified method Tradesperson Tools Deduction Tradespeople buying tools for work Receipts, T777 Apprenticeship Tool Deduction Registered apprentices Receipts Moving Expenses Moved 40km+ closer to work/school Receipts, employer letter Northern Residents Deduction Lived in northern remote zone Proof of residency Student Loan Interest Paid interest on gov't student loan Annual statement Digital News Subscription Credit Paid for online Canadian news Receipts Volunteer Firefighter / Search & Rescue Credit 200+ hours of service Letter from organization Home Accessibility Expenses Seniors/disabled people making home safer Renovation receipts

BC Provincial Credits (You Mentioned BC Renter's Credit):

BC Credit Eligibility Notes BC Renter’s Tax Credit Renters with income <$60K (phased out at $80K) Apply through CRA T1 (starting 2023), need to report rent paid BC Climate Action Tax Credit Low/moderate income CRA auto-calculates based on income BC Sales Tax Credit Low/moderate income CRA auto-calculates BC Family Benefit Families with kids CRA calculates if you filed taxes and have kids listed BC Training & Education Credit Ended in 2019 (no longer active)

How to Know If You're Eligible?

Ask yourself:

• Did I pay rent in BC? (Renter’s Credit)

• Do I earn under $33,000–50,000? (CWB, GST/HST Credit, BC climate credit)

• Am I self-employed or have side income? (Business expenses, home office)

• Did I go to school or pay tuition? (Tuition credit, student loan interest)

• Do I support a spouse or dependent? (Spousal credit, caregiver credit)

• Am I a first-time home buyer? (Home Buyers' Amount)

• Am I a senior or person with a disability? (Disability credit, home access)

Credits You Only Get by Applying:

Some are automatically calculated (like GST/HST or CWB), but others need specific slips or applications, like:

• Disability Tax Credit (requires T2201 approval from CRA)

• Medical expenses (you must add receipts manually)

• Rental amounts (you must report manually)

TL;DR Checklist of Often-Missed Credits ✅

• BC Renter’s Credit (if you paid rent in 2023)

• CWB (Canada Workers Benefit)

• Student loan interest

• Tuition credit

• Medical expenses (even dental, vision)

• Charity donations

• Home office or work expenses (T2200)

• Disability credit (if approved)

• Home buyers' amount

• Climate incentive (auto)

• Trades/apprentice tools credit

• Moving expenses

• Support for spouse or dependent

💡 Need Help Figuring Out What You Can Claim?
At TiKi Tax, we specialize in helping Canadians maximize their tax refunds. Whether you're unsure what credits apply to your situation or want to double-check if you've missed anything, we're here to help.

📞 Contact TiKi Tax today and make sure you’re claiming everything you're entitled to!
👉 www.tikitax.net | 📧 info@tikitax.net | 📱 236.788.7799