1. Disability Tax Credit (DTC) - Worth Up to $9,428
Federal Credit: $9,428 (2025). Many people don't realize they qualify. You may be eligible if you or your dependent has: severe and prolonged impairment in physical or mental functions, Type 1 diabetes (insulin therapy 3x/day minimum), chronic conditions affecting daily living (Crohn's, severe arthritis), mental health conditions (autism, severe depression, ADHD), or vision or hearing impairment. Retroactive Claims: You can apply for up to 10 previous years, potentially receiving $50,000+ in refunds.
2. Canada Caregiver Credit - Up to $7,999
Who Qualifies: Spouse/common-law partner: $7,999 if they have physical/mental impairment. Child under 18: $2,499 if they have impairment. Other dependents: $7,999 if infirm and you provide care. Often Missed: Caring for aging parents with dementia, children with autism, or spouse with chronic illness.
3. Home Accessibility Tax Credit (HATC) - Up to $1,500
If you're 65+ or live with someone with a disability, you can claim 15% of up to $10,000 in home renovation expenses: walk-in bathtubs or wheelchair ramps, stair lifts or elevators, widening doorways or lowering counters, non-slip flooring, hand rails and grab bars. Tip: This is separate from the Medical Expense Tax Credit, so you can claim renovations here and deduct medical expenses there.
4. Canada Training Credit - Up to $250/Year
Refundable Tax Credit for Training. You accumulate $250/year (max $5,000 lifetime) if you earn between $10,000-$150,000. Use it for: university or college courses, professional designation programs (CPA, CFA, etc.), trade certifications, online courses at eligible institutions. Often Missed: This is a refundable credit—you get cash back even if you owe no tax.
5. Digital News Subscription Tax Credit - $75
Claim 15% of up to $500 spent on qualifying Canadian digital news subscriptions: Globe and Mail, Toronto Star, CBC News, local newspapers with digital subscriptions. Must be a Qualified Canadian Journalism Organization (QCJO).
6. First-Time Home Buyers' Tax Credit - $1,500
$10,000 × 15% = $1,500. Available if you (or your spouse) haven't owned a home in the last 4 years. Also available if: you're purchasing for a disabled person, or you're a first-time buyer purchasing with a partner who owned before (you still qualify).
7. Adoption Expenses Tax Credit - Up to $3,240
Claim 15% of up to $21,597 in adoption-related expenses: agency and legal fees, travel expenses (flights, accommodation), translation services, mandatory parent training, immigration fees.
8. Volunteer Firefighter/Search and Rescue Tax Credit - $450
If you perform at least 200 hours of volunteer service annually: Firefighters: $3,000 × 15% = $450. Search and Rescue: $3,000 × 15% = $450. Cannot combine both—choose one if you qualify for both.
9. Children's Fitness and Arts Tax Credits (Provincial)
While the federal credit was eliminated, some provinces still offer credits. Manitoba: $500 max fitness, $500 max arts. Saskatchewan: $150 fitness credit, $100 arts credit. Yukon: $1,000 max fitness, $500 max arts.
10. Interest on Student Loans - Deduction
You can claim 15% of interest paid on government student loans (federal and provincial): Carry forward unused amounts for 5 years. No income threshold—claim even if you earn $150K+. Does not apply to private loans or lines of credit.
Tax Credits Summary
Disability Tax Credit: $9,428 max (very often missed). Canada Caregiver: $7,999 max (often missed). Home Accessibility: $1,500 max (often missed). Canada Training: $250/year max (very often missed). Digital News: $75 max (almost always missed). First-Time Home Buyer: $1,500 max (sometimes missed).