If you’re making money from your blog in Canada—even if it’s just a side hustle—the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) sees you as running a business. That might sound intimidating at first, but here’s the good news: you’re also entitled to claim a range of expenses that can lower your taxable income.
“It’s not about how much you make, it’s about how much you keep.” — Gail Vaz-Oxlade
A lot of bloggers either miss these deductions or aren’t quite sure what counts. Let’s walk through 10 common (and completely legitimate) things Canadian bloggers can claim.
1. Your Home Office Space
If you work from home (and most bloggers do), you can claim a portion of your household expenses.
This includes:
- Rent or mortgage interest (not the full mortgage payment)
- Utilities like heat, electricity, and water
- Property taxes (if you own your home)
The key is to calculate how much of your home is used for work. For example, if your office takes up 10% of your home, you can typically claim 10% of eligible expenses.
2. Internet and Phone Bills
Let’s be real—blogging without internet isn’t happening.
You can claim the business-use portion of:
- Your internet bill
- Your mobile phone plan
If you use your phone 60% for blogging and 40% for personal use, you can claim 60% of the cost. Keep it reasonable and consistent in case you ever need to justify it.
3. Laptop, Camera, and Equipment
Your tools matter. Whether you’re writing posts, editing videos, or shooting photos, your equipment is part of your business.
Common claimable items:
- Laptop or desktop computer
- Camera and lenses
- Lighting equipment
- Microphones
These usually fall under capital expenses, meaning you claim them over time using depreciation (known as Capital Cost Allowance in Canada). If you also use them personally, only claim the business portion.
4. Website Costs and Hosting
Your blog itself comes with ongoing costs, and yes—you can claim them.
This includes:
- Domain name fees
- Hosting services
- Premium themes or templates
- Website maintenance or security tools
These are considered necessary expenses for running your online business.
5. Software and Subscriptions
Most bloggers rely on a mix of tools to keep things running smoothly.
You can claim subscriptions for:
- Writing and editing tools
- Graphic design platforms
- SEO and keyword research tools
- Scheduling tools for social media
As long as the software is used for your blog, it counts as a business expense.
6. Content Creation Expenses
Depending on your niche, you might spend money just to create content—and that can often be claimed.
Examples include:
- Ingredients for food blogs
- Clothing for fashion blogs
- Props for photography
The rule of thumb is this: if the purchase is primarily for creating content (not just personal use), it may qualify. Just be prepared to explain how it relates to your blog.
7. Marketing and Advertising
Growing a blog takes more than just hitting “publish.”
You can claim:
- Paid ads (Google, Facebook, Instagram, etc.)
- Email marketing platforms
- Costs related to promotions or giveaways
Anything you spend to attract readers or grow your audience can typically be written off.
8. Professional Services
You don’t have to do everything yourself—and when you outsource, those costs are deductible.
This includes:
- Hiring an accountant to file your taxes
- Paying a designer for your logo or website
- Working with freelance writers or editors
These are considered professional or contract services, and they’re a normal part of running a business.
9. Travel and Accommodation (Work-Related)
If you travel specifically for your blog, some of those expenses may be claimable.
For example:
- Attending blogging conferences
- Press trips or brand collaborations
- Travel for content creation (like destination blogging)
Eligible costs can include transportation, hotels, and meals (though meals are usually only 50% claimable). Just make sure the trip is clearly work-related and keep all receipts.
10. Education and Training
Investing in your skills is part of growing your blog—and the CRA recognises that.
You can claim:
- Online courses
- Workshops or webinars
- Industry conferences
learning content strategy, or social media marketing, these expenses count as long as they directly support your blogging business.
A Quick Note on Record Keeping
Here’s where a lot of people slip up: keeping track of everything.
Make it a habit to:
- Save all receipts (digital copies are fine)
- Keep invoices and payment confirmations
- Use a simple spreadsheet or accounting tool
Being organised not only makes tax season easier, it also protects you if you’re ever asked to show proof.
“The key to financial success is not just earning more, but managing what you already have wisely.” — David Chilton
Final Thoughts
Blogging in Canada isn’t just a creative outlet—it’s a business. And like any business, you’re allowed to claim reasonable expenses to reduce your tax bill.
The key is to be honest, consistent, and well-documented. If you’re ever unsure, it’s worth speaking with a tax professional who understands self-employment and digital businesses.
At the end of the day, claiming what you’re entitled to isn’t about cutting corners—it’s just smart money management.
