Tax credits and deductions you may not know you can claim in Canada
Tax season is about to kick off in Canada, so it’s helpful to know all of the things you can claim in order to maximize your return.
The cost-of-living continues to soar in Canada. According to H&R Block, in 2025, a third of Canadians (33 per cent) said they struggled to make ends meet, with more than half (51 per cent) who said that, despite making a good salary, they found it difficult to pay for daily expenses.
Some hefty expenses Canadians may make throughout the year involve health-related products and services.
“Health and wellness-related tax credits and benefits are among the most commonly missed by Canadians when filing their taxes, yet there are several medical expenses that can qualify for tax savings under the Medical Expense Tax Credit (METC),” stated H&R Block Canada.
The tax preparation company shared some key and lesser-known medical-related tax credits and deductions in Canada that you may be eligible for.
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Laser eye surgery: LASIK and similar surgeries can be claimed as an eligible medical expense under the METC.
Gluten-free food (for those with celiac disease): You can claim the extra cost (gluten-free price minus the price of the non-gluten-free version), with a medical practitioner’s letter and relevant receipts.
Therapy and counselling services: For eligible Canadians to help cover the cost of therapy, including physical therapy, occupational therapy, and mental health counselling.
Medical cannabis: You can claim this on your tax return in Canada if you purchased it for medical purposes from a licensed seller, with the required medical documents.
Service animals: Costs related to service animals, such as food and vet care, can be eligible as a tax credit in Canada.
Prescription sunglasses and prescription swimming goggles: If they’re prescribed to correct eyesight.
Water filter/purifier systems: If prescribed for use for severe chronic respiratory or immune system disorders.
Care-related travel costs: This can include ambulance transportation and reasonable travel costs for medical care.
Travel insurance premiums: For seniors and retirees who are no longer covered by a group insurance plan.
Voice-recognition software: When used for an impairment in physical functions, with the necessary medical certification.
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Wigs for certain hair loss conditions: If hair loss is due to disease, accidental or medical treatment. It must be approved by your healthcare provider.
Family planning: To help offset the eligible costs for fertility treatment, contraception, pregnancy care and childbirth-related medical services.
Refundable Medical Expense Supplement: For Canadians with a lower income and high medical expenses, there’s also a refundable supplement you may be able to claim (meaning it can pay out even if you don’t owe much tax).
Disability Tax Credit (DTC): A non-refundable credit for people with severe and prolonged impairment.
Disability Supports Deduction: Provides a provision for certain disability-related support costs to be deducted.
Caregiving credits (physical or mental impairment): If you support a spouse, partner or certain dependents with a physical or mental impairment, the Canada Caregiver Credit may apply if certain criteria are met.
Home renovation credits for health, mobility, and aging: Costs to accommodate certain qualifying accessibility renovations for eligible dwellings can be claimed.
Multigenerational Home Renovation Tax Credit (MHRTC): A refundable credit for creating a self-contained secondary unit so a senior or an eligible adult can live with family.
Home Accessibility Tax Credit (HATC): For expenses incurred to make your home safer or more accessible for seniors or individuals with disabilities.
According to the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA), you can calculate the amount you can claim by subtracting three per cent of your net income, or $2,834, from the amount that you, your spouse or common-law partner paid in 2025 for eligible medical expenses.
For a full list of eligible medical expenses you can claim, check out the CRA’s guide.
Before you start gathering your receipts, take a look at some major tax updates you should be aware of this season.