9 Overlooked Tax Deductions & Credits

This article originally appeared on the SimpleTax blog. SimpleTax has joined Wealthsimple to become Wealthsimple Tax. Now you can invest, trade, save, and do your taxes all in one place.

Every year in Canada, millions of dollars in tax deductions and credits go unclaimed. Here are nine of the most overlooked deductions and credits so that come tax season, you can minimize your tax bill and maximize your refund.

1. Medical expenses

Often, people don’t claim their medical expenses because they don’t think it’s worth it. However, medical expenses are hidden everywhere; even the additional amount you pay for gluten-free food may qualify as a medical expense if recommended by a doctor. In addition, what the CRA describes as “Medical expenses for self” actually includes medical expenses for you, your partner, and your minor children.

2. Disability tax credit

The disability amount is one of the most valuable Canadian tax credits, worth about $1,500 for an adult and even more for a child. Even if you can’t take advange of the entire credit—e.g., because your income isn’t high enough—the unused part of this credit can be transferred to a wide range of people.

The reason the disability amount is often overlooked is because it covers a broad spectrum of physical and mental impairments, many of which aren’t typically associated with a disability. Children with with ADD, ADHD, Asperger’s Syndrome, anxiety disorders, autism, bi-polar disorder, diabetes (type 1 or 2), epilepsy, FASD, learning disabilities, or manic depression might be eligible for this credit.

3. Amounts for your children

There are several tax credits available for parents; so many, in fact, that these credits will be the subject of an upcoming blog post. Some of these credits include childcare expenses, amounts for your child’s fitness and arts programs, and, if you are a new adoptive parent, adoption expenses.

4. Eligible dependant amount

If at any time in the year you were single, divorced, separated, or widowed and you were supporting a person who lived with you in a home that you maintained, you may be able to claim a tax credit for an eligible dependant. Starting in 2012, that amount can be increased if you qualify for the new family caregiver amount for your dependant.

5. Moving expenses

Most people know that if you’ve moved to a new location to start a new job or business you can get a tax credit for your moving expenses. However, many people don’t realize that you can also claim moving expenses if you are a student who has moved to study in a full-time program. One of the most frequently overlooked moving expenses: the commissions you paid to your realtor when selling your old home.

6. Student loan interest

Don’t toss those Statements of Interest Paid! Repaying your student loan can be a drain in your early career, but at least you’re eligible for a tax credit for the interest you pay on federal and provincial student loans. Note, however, that this credit does not apply to loans held with a private lender, (e.g., a student line of credit with a financial institution), or to student loans that have been consolidated.

Your student loan interest can be carried-forward for five years, so if you are unable to use your interest in the year, you should consider carrying it forward to a higher earning year.

7. Carrying charges

One of the most often overlooked deductions are your “carrying charges”, which can reduce your taxable income. It’s not surprising that these are often missed, since the name “carrying charge” isn’t exactly crystal clear. Even if you don’t have very complicated investments, you may have carrying charges that include:

• the amount that you paid for your safety deposit box, or

• some of your investment advisor’s fees (but not their commissions).

8. Charitable and political donations

Small deductions to eligible charities can add up over the year. If you claim your charitable donations, you can receive a 15% credit on the first $200 (worth $30) and a 29% credit on donations in excess of $200—up to a maximum of 75% of your income in the year. You can also receive tax credits for donations made to federal and provincial political parties and candidates.

9. Home buyers’ amount

If you purchased a home and you have not lived in a home owned by you or your partner in any of the four-preceding years (or you have you purchased a home and you can claim the disability amount), you might be eligible for a $5,000 tax credit—worth up to $750. If you qualify for this amount, claiming this credit is a simple as ticking a box.