I used to think tax returns were just about income and RRSPs. Then I saw my dentist bill! It turns out the CRA allows a massive list of health costs. Let's dive into what I found out!
Honestly, I was shocked! Did you know that even gluten-free food can be claimed if you have Celiac disease? Or that air conditioners for people with severe chronic ailments are on the list? It's incredible! The CRA has this huge list, but the trick is knowing which ones apply to your specific situation.
Most non-cosmetic dental work is covered! Fillings, extractions, and even braces. Plus, prescription glasses and contact lenses. I didn't realize my new frames were tax-deductible!
Read My StoryAny medication prescribed by a medical practitioner and recorded by a pharmacist counts. This includes insulin and even certain vaccines. Just keep those pharmacy receipts!
Remote Work TipsHearing aids, CPAP machines, and even walking aids. If it's medically necessary and prescribed, it's likely on the list. I found out my uncle's hearing aid batteries were even eligible!
Moving to OttawaImagine my surprise when I learned that driving to a specialist in another city could actually save me money on my taxes! Seriously! If you have to travel at least 40 kilometers (one way) to get medical services that aren't available near you, you can claim the public transportation costs. But wait, it gets even better! If you have to travel more than 80 kilometers, you can claim vehicle expenses and even meals and accommodation!
This part confused me at first, but here is the gist: The Detailed Method requires you to keep every single gas receipt and calculate the actual cost of operating your car. Who has time for that?! The Simplified Method is a lifesaver. You just track your kilometers and use a flat rate per km set by the CRA (it changes by province, usually around 55-65 cents).
I actually had to drive from Ottawa to Toronto for a specific procedure last year. I didn't know about this rule then, and I threw away my hotel receipts! Oh, the regret! Don't be like me. If you are traveling for a doctor, keep a logbook. Write down the date, the destination, the reason for the trip, and the kilometers driven. It adds up so fast, you wouldn't believe it!
I used to just throw everything into a shoebox and hope for the best in April. Bad idea! Thermal receipts fade, and by the time tax season rolls around, half of them are just blank pieces of paper. Now, I use a digital system. I take a photo of every receipt the moment I get it.
"The CRA doesn't need the receipts when you file, but they will definitely ask for them later if they review your claim. Be ready!"
Remember, for medical expenses, you can choose any 12-month period ending in the current tax year. This is a huge "wow" moment! If you had a lot of expenses in the summer of last year and the spring of this year, you can group them together to maximize your return!
| Category | Requirement | Claimable? |
|---|---|---|
| Private Health Premiums | Paid by you (not employer) | Yes! |
| Travel > 40km | No local equivalent | Yes! |
| Cosmetic Surgery | Purely for looks | No |
| Gluten-free Products | Celiac Diagnosis | Incremental Cost Only |
*Note: You can only claim the portion of expenses that exceeds 3% of your net income or $2,635 (whichever is less for 2023).
I'm still learning every day, but organizing my medical receipts was the best thing I did for my finances this year. Don't let those dental bills scare you—let them help you at tax time!