Unveiling Hidden Savings: A Case Study on Deductions You May Overlook

The Hidden Power of Tax Deductions

Many Canadians think they’re getting the best refund possible — until they find out what they’ve been missing.
The truth? There are dozens of deductions and credits that go unclaimed every year, simply because most people don’t know they exist or assume they don’t qualify.

At TiKi Tax, we see it all the time — and the results can be surprising.

Case Study 1: The Self-Employed Designer Who Overpaid

Background:
Sarah, a freelance graphic designer from Burnaby, filed her own taxes for two years using a DIY software.
She thought she was doing fine until she booked a review with TiKi Tax.

What We Found:

• She hadn’t claimed home office expenses properly.

• Missed CCA (depreciation) on her computer and printer.

• Forgot to deduct professional software subscriptions.

The Result:
After adjustments, Sarah got a refund of $1,420 — money she didn’t know she was entitled to.

Case Study 2: The Delivery Driver’s Missed Mileage

Background:
Jason, a part-time delivery driver, only claimed his basic employment income. He didn’t track his driving or fuel costs.

What We Found:
By helping Jason reconstruct a vehicle logbook, we showed that 65% of his driving was work-related.
That allowed him to claim:

• Fuel & maintenance costs

• Insurance & registration fees

• Capital Cost Allowance (CCA) on his car

The Result:
Jason reduced his taxable income by over $4,000, saving $850 in taxes.

Case Study 3: The Couple with Missed Medical and Donation Credits

Background:
A married couple in Richmond filed separately and didn’t realize how combining claims could increase their credits.

What We Found:

• Combined medical expenses under the lower-income spouse.

• Transferred charitable donations to one return for a higher credit rate.

• Claimed Canada Workers Benefit (CWB) retroactively.

The Result:
They received an extra $1,100 in refunds after TiKi Tax refiled their returns.

Lessons Learned

💡 Small details matter. Something as simple as splitting expenses or claiming mileage can make a big difference.
💡 You don’t know what you don’t know. Many deductions — from digital tools to internet costs — are easily missed.
💡 A professional eye helps. Tax software is fast, but it can’t always spot nuanced CRA rules.

How TiKi Tax Can Help

Our tax experts specialize in uncovering overlooked deductions for:

• Self-employed and gig workers

• Small business owners

• Students and newcomers

• Families with dependents

We review your past and current returns to ensure you’re not leaving money on the table.

Real people. Real savings. Real peace of mind.