13 tax items in Canada that could lower what you owe or increase your refund

By Tahani Elghazaly
Published March 13, 2026

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As tax filing season moves forward in Canada, many individuals and families are paying closer attention to the items they may be able to claim legally to reduce taxes owing or increase the amount they get back. What many people casually describe as “tax exemptions” often includes a wider mix of deductions and tax credits, and the impact of each can vary depending on income, family situation, and the type of expense involved.

Among the key items worth reviewing before filing are RRSP deductions, child care expenses, eligible moving expenses, certain employment expenses, tuition amounts, student loan interest, medical expenses, the disability tax credit, the disability supports deduction, the Canada Workers Benefit, the home buyers’ amount, home accessibility expenses, and the multigenerational home renovation tax credit. The Canada Revenue Agency provides separate rules and eligibility conditions for each of these claims.

These items matter not only because they can affect the final tax bill, but also because filing an accurate return can influence access to government benefits and support programs that rely on tax information. Missing an eligible claim may mean paying more than necessary or leaving money unclaimed at a time when many households are watching costs closely.

The CRA says online filing for the 2025 tax year opened on February 23, 2026. For most individuals, the filing deadline is April 30, 2026. Self-employed individuals generally have until June 15, 2026 to file, although any balance owing is still due by April 30.

For taxpayers, the most important step is not to claim as many items as possible, but to make sure the claims truly apply to their situation and are supported by proper records. In tax filing, the real advantage is not speed alone, but accuracy and making sure no legitimate tax relief is overlooked.