Canadian Tax Credits and Deductions
What you can claim, what each claim is worth, and the ones people miss.
This hub is for the line-by-line question: what can I claim, and what is it worth? A deduction lowers taxable income, so it is worth your marginal rate. Most federal credits are non-refundable and are worth the lowest federal rate on the amount, so the same dollar of expense can be worth very different amounts depending on which kind of claim it is.
The guides cover employee deductions, the credits people most often miss, medical expenses, charitable donations (including donating securities), family credits, and the income-splitting tools that are still allowed between spouses. Each one names the tax year, links the CRA page that sets the rule, and shows a worked example so you can see the dollar effect before you file.
If you are filing for a family or a retiree, read the credits guides together: several claims can be transferred or pooled, and the order you claim them in changes the total.
What this hub helps you decide:
- Which deductions and credits can I claim this year?
- Is a deduction or a credit worth more to me?
- Should my spouse or I claim medical expenses and donations?
- Which income-splitting moves are still allowed?
Updated November 2026 · 8 guides by Andrew
Start here
- Canadian Tax Credits You're Probably Missing
- Every Tax Deduction Canadian Employees Should Claim in 2026
- 2026 Canadian Tax Deduction Checklist | Every Credit
- Medical Expense Tax Credit: What Qualifies and How to Maximize It
- Charitable Donation Tax Credit: Donating Cash vs Securities
New to taxes? Read the overview first: How Canadian Taxes Actually Work — A Plain-English Guide.
All Credits & Deductions guides
Prescribed-Rate Spousal Loans at 3%: The Income-Splitting Steps
CRA’s prescribed rate is 3% from October 1 to December 31, 2026. A spousal loan at that rate can split income if the interest is paid by January 30.
Charitable Donation Tax Credit: Donating Cash vs Securities
In 2026 the federal donation credit is 14 percent on the first $200 and 29 percent above that. Donating listed securities in kind sets the capital-gains inclusion on that gift to zero.
Medical Expense Tax Credit: What Qualifies and How to Maximize It
The federal medical expense credit is 14 percent of expenses above the lesser of 3 percent of net income and an indexed dollar ceiling. The lower-income spouse usually claims them.
Income Splitting Strategies for High- and Low-Earner Couples
Spousal RRSPs, pension splitting, CPP sharing, and prescribed-rate loans — the legal ways a high- and low-earner couple actually move income.
2026 Canadian Tax Deduction Checklist | Every Credit
A checklist to open every tax season, covering deductions, credits, and other tax-saving opportunities for Canadians.
Tax Tips for Canadian Families — Credits, Benefits & Income Splitting
A Canadian family with two children under 6 could receive up to $15,994 a year in Canada Child Benefit, and that payment is tax-free.
Canadian Tax Credits You're Probably Missing
Canadian tax credits people often miss, how refundable credits differ from non-refundable ones, and how to claim amounts from earlier returns.
Every Tax Deduction Canadian Employees Should Claim in 2026
Employed Canadians can still plan their taxes. The CRA allows deductions and credits that apply specifically to employees.