TiKi Tax’s Self-Employed Client Checklist: What You Need Before Filing Taxes

1. Why a Self-Employed Tax Checklist Matters

If you’re self-employed in Canada, you already know how complex taxes can get — from tracking income and expenses to claiming deductions properly. Missing even one document could cost you valuable credits or trigger CRA follow-ups.

That’s why TiKi Tax created this Self-Employed Client Checklist — a clear, step-by-step guide to make sure you’re prepared for tax season. Whether you’re a freelancer, consultant, or small business owner, this list keeps your paperwork organized and your filing stress-free.

2. Income Documents You’ll Need

Gather all proof of income before meeting your tax preparer or filing online.
Here’s what to include:

• Invoices and receipts for all services provided.

• Bank statements showing business deposits.

• T4A slips (if you received contract income).

• Sales summaries from platforms like PayPal, Stripe, or Etsy.

• Rental or investment income if applicable.

💡 Tip: Keep digital copies of invoices in a single folder named by year (e.g., “Income 2024”) — it saves hours of searching later.

3. Expense Records to Prepare

As a self-employed individual, you can deduct business expenses to lower your taxable income. Make sure you have receipts for:

• Office supplies and software (printers, accounting apps, etc.)

• Internet and phone bills (partial use if working from home)

• Vehicle expenses (gas, insurance, maintenance, mileage log)

• Advertising and marketing costs (website, business cards, promotions)

• Professional fees (legal, accounting, subcontractors)

💡 Tip: Always separate your personal and business expenses. Having a dedicated business bank account makes tax filing smoother.

4. Home Office Deductions

If you work from home, you may qualify for home office deductions. Keep these details ready:

• Square footage of your workspace vs. total home size

• Rent or mortgage interest

• Utilities (electricity, heating, water)

• Home insurance and property taxes

💡 Tip: TiKi Tax experts can help you calculate the right portion to claim — maximizing your deductions while staying compliant with CRA rules.

5. Vehicle and Travel Expenses

If you use your vehicle for business, you’ll need:

• A mileage log (start and end odometer readings, purpose of each trip)

• Receipts for gas, parking, and maintenance

• Lease or purchase documents

For travel, keep invoices for flights, accommodations, and meals — only if directly related to business.

6. Other Important Documents

Don’t forget these extras that could affect your taxes:

• Last year’s tax return (helps compare and avoid missed deductions)

• CRA correspondence or installment payments

• Business license or registration documents

• GST/HST returns (if registered)

7. Let TiKi Tax Handle the Rest

Preparing your own taxes can be overwhelming — especially when you’re running your business full-time. At TiKi Tax, we simplify the process for self-employed Canadians by:

✅ Reviewing all your documents and deductions
✅ Ensuring compliance with CRA guidelines
✅ Maximizing your tax return or reducing what you owe

Upload your files securely, and our expert tax team will take care of the rest — fast, accurate, and stress-free.

📋 Final Checklist Summary

Before filing, make sure you have:

• All income records (invoices, bank statements, T4A)

• Receipts for business expenses

• Home office and vehicle details

• Last year’s return & CRA notices

Start Your Tax Filing the Smart Way

Don’t wait until the last minute. Use TiKi Tax’s Self-Employed Client Checklist today and get peace of mind knowing your taxes are 100% ready.