The line between a legitimate business deduction and a personal expense can feel fuzzy when you're running a side hustle from home. The good news: the CRA has clear rules about what qualifies. Bad news: claiming something incorrectly can trigger an audit. The key test is whether an expense was incurred to earn income from your side hustle, whether it's reasonable in amount, and whether you have proof. Personal expenses (like groceries or your mortgage) are never deductible, but the cost of tools, software, or materials directly tied to your side gig usually are. The Canada Revenue Agency allows you to deduct any expense that meets these three conditions: - It was paid to earn income from your side hustle - It was reasonable in amount - You kept receipts or proof of purchase This principle applies whether you're freelancing, selling online, tutoring, or offering any other service. The expense doesn't have to be huge to count, but it must have a direct link to your business activity.
No. You can only deduct the business-use portion of shared expenses like internet or phone. If you use your internet 40% for work and 60% personally, deduct only 40% of the bill. Keep records showing how you calculated this percentage.
A business expense is incurred specifically to earn income from your side hustle, while a personal expense benefits you personally regardless of your business. A software subscription for your freelance work is deductible; groceries are not, even if you eat while working.
The CRA doesn't require original receipts for purchases under $75, but you should keep some proof (credit card statements, bank records, or invoices). For larger purchases, keep receipts for at least six years in case of an audit.
You can report a loss, which reduces your overall taxable income. However, if you report losses for multiple years in a row, the CRA may question whether your side hustle is a genuine business or a hobby, and deny future deductions.
Only if you start using it for your business. Equipment purchased for personal reasons before you began your side hustle is generally not deductible, even if you later use it for work.