Home >> Learn >>

Fact or Fiction?

Do your research after  listening to your friends  advice (they mean well)  on what you are able to claim. This will prevent future problems down the road. Ask a professional for help.

Fiction #1

Fiction #2

If I didn’t get a slip I don’t have to report the income. You are obligated to report all income that you make throughout the year – including cash jobs, tips, and income from all foreign sources, even if you have paid taxes on that income.

I am self-employed, so I can write everything off. If you are self employed, you can deduct reasonable expenses incurred to earn the income. 

Fiction #3

Fiction #4

Employment Insurance, Medical and Maternity leave are not taxable income. Income received from Employment Insurance, regardless if it is regular benefit, medical or maternity leave, is definitely taxable and a warning, they rarely take enough taxes off. 

My pets are my alarm system or a medical expense because they calm my anxiety. If your children play with the dog or it sleeps in the house, it is not a guard dog and does not qualify. 

Fiction #5

They will never catch me. CRA is actively investigating non-compliance issues, currently focusing on tax evasion, off shore accounts, the underground community, and incorrectly reporting marital status. They are working in conjunction with Municipal, Provincial and Federal agencies to determine inaccuracies in tax reporting. They have also started using public social media accounts, so if you make a post on Facebook stating “Happy Birthday to the best hubby ever!” and you have claimed single on your tax return, you may just have a visitor come a knocking on your door… or if you reported $20,000 in income for self employment and you have a brand new pickup in the driveway, it will be suspicious.