Practical tax answers and quick-action tips for individuals, students, seniors, people with disabilities, landlords, and self-employed professionals in Oshawa, Durham Region, and the GTA. personalized help.

Missed slips & Amendments

If you discover missed income slips or receipts after filing, report them promptly. Repeated failure to report income across tax years can lead to penalties. You can request adjustments via CRA My Account or file a T1 Adjustment Request. CRA may allow corrections in some cases up to 10 years under taxpayer relief.

Amend early — it reduces penalty risk.
Keep copies of original and amended documents.
Contact us for help preparing and submitting amendments.

Students

Students should file returns to establish RRSP room, claim tuition credits (T2202), and access refundable credits. Unused tuition credits can be carried forward or transferred to a supporting person within CRA limits.

Save T2202 slips and transfer forms.
File even with low income to preserve credits and benefits.

Seniors

Seniors may qualify for age-related credits, pension income splitting, and other tax benefits. Review pension income amounts and eligible medical claims to ensure maximum benefit.

Consider pension income splitting where beneficial.
Track medical and disability-related expenses for possible claims.

Disability

Check eligibility for the Disability Tax Credit (DTC) and related credits. If approved, unused amounts may be transferred or carried forward. Specialized documentation is often required — keep medical certificates and supporting records.

Apply for DTC using form T2201 where applicable.
Explore related programs such as RDSP (Registered Disability Savings Plan).

Medical & Charitable Donations

Medical expenses: Claim eligible costs for any continuous 12‑month period ending in the taxation year. Often best claimed by the lower‑income spouse due to the income‑threshold calculation.

Charitable donations: Can be carried forward and claimed in any of the five years after the gift year. Combine years strategically to maximize credits.

Rental property

Deductible expenses for rental properties (or renting part of your home) include mortgage interest, property taxes, utilities, insurance, maintenance, advertising, management fees, and accounting/legal fees. Apportion expenses accurately when only part of a property is rented.

Keep separate records for capital improvements and routine repairs.
Use reasonable apportionment methods (area or time) and retain documentation.

Self‑employed

Use Form T2125 to report business income and expenses. Track receipts, mileage, and a brief business purpose for each expense. Register for GST/HST if gross revenue exceeds $30,000 in a calendar year (Quebec has different rules).

Industry-specific guidance for self-employed professional

Uber / Rideshare drivers

Deduct fuel, maintenance, repairs, platform fees, leasing/loan costs, car washes, passenger supplies.
Keep a mileage log: business kilometers and total kilometers.

Real estate agents

Deduct advertising, licensing fees, vehicle expenses (proportionate), office supplies, and professional dues.
Retain appointment logs and client records to support business purpose.

Lawyers and professionals

Deduct professional liability insurance, continuing education, professional dues, home office (if eligible), and travel between offices.
Track expenses by client matter when billable and separate personal from business costs.

Construction contractors

Deduct tools, equipment, vehicle expenses, insurance, subcontractor fees, and materials.
Maintain detailed job logs, invoices, and progress records for each contract.

HST & GST returns

If you are required to register (over $30,000 gross revenue in a calendar year for most provinces outside Quebec), collect and remit HST/GST. Choose the appropriate reporting frequency (annual, quarterly, monthly) based on revenue and cash flow considerations.

File returns on time to avoid penalties and interest.
Consider input tax credits (ITCs) to recover GST/HST paid on business purchases.