What tax deductions are available for boomerang kids who won't leave home?
THE TAX ADVISORY AT H&R BLOCK CANADA IS ANSWERING THE CALL FOR HELP FROM CANADIAN TAXPAYERS
CALGARY, March 15 /CNW/ - With the deadline for filing a tax return 45 days away, the Tax Advisory at H&R Block Canada has experienced a surge in questions at the beginning of March. As T4 slips arrive, Canadians are starting to think more about their taxes.
The questions range from simple to complex and sometimes amusing. Here are some of the more memorable ones:
- Can I claim any deductions for boomerang kids who only pay a small amount of rent that does not cover their expenses? (unfortunately, only age determines whether or not you can claim a child, not how much support is provided) - Can I claim my dog walker if I am self employed? (dog walking expenses are not considered a business expense) - I am a diabetic so I need to take care of my feet. Can I claim pedicures as a medical expense? (even though you have a medical reason, the pedicure would need to be performed by a recognized medical practitioner in order to qualify as a medical expense) - If my common-law husband owes the government, can they take it from my refund? (no, even though you are common-law, your refund cannot be used to pay your partner's debt) - My joint custody agreement requires me to drive and pick up one daughter from school. Is this a deduction? (no - it is just the cost of having a child)
"From U.S. returns to marital status to international returns, we have certainly received some interesting questions into the Tax Advisory," says Cleo Hamel from The Tax Advisory at H&R Block. "We are happy to answer every question because it is better to ask if you could qualify then to miss out on a tax deduction. No one wants to pay the government more money than they really need."
The Tax Advisory at H&R Block Canada is comprised of a select group of senior tax professionals from across Canada combining their tax expertise and knowledge to provide tax information in plain language.
"This site allows us one more avenue for people to access H&R Block's tax expertise," says Hamel. "People can still walk into any of our offices and get answers to their tax questions for free. Now they also have the option of connecting with us online."
About H&R Block Canada ----------------------
H&R Block Canada has been preparing taxes for more than 40 years and is Canada's leading tax preparation firm. Headquartered in Calgary, Alberta, the company serves Canadian taxpayers in more than 1,100 offices across the country. H&R Block Canada Inc. is a subsidiary of H&R Block, Inc., a diversified company with subsidiaries providing a wide range of financial products and services. Additional information about H&R Block Canada is available at 1-800-HRBLOCK or visit www.hrblock.ca.
Follow the Tax Advisory at H&R Block at www.hrbtaxtalk.ca or @HRBTaxTalk on Twitter.
For further information: Tina Quelch, Calador Communications, (416) 925-6034, [email protected]
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