What business expenses can creators write off in Canada?

Creators in Canada can usually write off reasonable business expenses that help earn income, as long as you keep records and claim only the business-use part of mixed expenses.

Common deductions include:

• Software and subscriptions: editing apps, hosting, scheduling tools, stock media licenses
• Marketing: ads, domains, promo materials, email tools
• Home office: a fair share of rent, utilities, internet, and home insurance if you work from home
• Phone and internet: business-use percentage only
• Supplies and props: backdrops, craft items, set pieces, recipe ingredients
• Professional services: accountant, bookkeeper, lawyer, editor, designer, manager
• Vehicle and travel: mileage, fuel, parking, and business trips with logs
• Meals and entertainment: often 50% deductible when directly tied to business

A few key limits:

• Equipment like cameras and computers is usually claimed over time through CCA, not all at once
• Personal-use expenses must be split
• Keep receipts and mileage logs

If you’re self-employed, these are often reported on Form T2125; if you operate through a corporation, they’re claimed in the corporation’s books and tax return.