Tax strategies for self-employed workers

By Emma Marshall on April 16, 2010
Estimated reading time: 1 minute

Make the most of your returns.

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Scotiabank is reminding Canada’s self-employed workers to get ahead of the game and organize their tax documents before the June 15 deadline. While some self-employed citizens are confused as to whether or not their business is large enough to require filing a return, the bank explains that all activities that are undertaken for profit qualify. This means everything from making your own jewelry to renting out rooms in your home as a B&B. To make the most of your tax return, they suggest taking advantage of all business-related expenses, maintaining a log of all business-related mileage – these costs can be claimed as long as the distance of each trip is recorded – and maximizing your Capital Car Allowance. They also suggest keeping organized records, speaking to an accountant or tax adviser, and considering incorporating your business.