08/27/2026
Think you can claim it? The CRA might think otherwise.
Every tax season, Canadians claim expenses they believe should qualify as deductions only to discover that the CRA doesn’t agree.
Some of the most commonly challenged claims include:
• Work clothing that isn’t eligible
• Home office expenses without proper eligibility or documentation
• Vehicle expenses for personal use
• Meals and entertainment without a clear business purpose
• Internet and phone expenses without proper allocation
• Charitable donations without valid receipts
• Medical expenses that don’t meet CRA requirements
• Moving expenses without meeting the required distance criteria
• Childcare payments to ineligible individuals
• Rental losses without a reasonable expectation of profit
• Business-use-of-home expenses without proper documentation
• Capital Cost Allowance (CCA) claimed on personal assets
• Interest on loans that aren’t used to earn income
• Education credits for programs that don’t qualify
The important part?
A deduction isn’t valid simply because you spent the money.
Eligibility, documentation, and the purpose of the expense all matter. A poorly supported claim can result in a reassessment, repayment, or even penalties.
Before claiming an expense, make sure it actually meets CRA requirements and that you have the documentation to support it.
Not sure whether an expense is deductible? Talk to us before you file.