THE NEW NORMAL AND ITS OPPORTUNITIES
Working from home has reached a point for some companies with productivity at highs and more of a focus on work-life balance, that the prospect of moving back to a full-time office may never happen. This introduces some interesting options for employees on the tax planning side of the equation, and the opportunity to claim the "working from home" tax credit for the employee if they are eligible according to the CRA guidelines. Both the tax credit and the rules to be eligible have changed over the past couple of months, you may be entitled to additional tax savings this tax season.
WORKING FROM HOME TAX CREDIT
The Working From Home Tax Credit changed for 2020 as a high number of Canadians spent their time working from home due to COVID-19. The CRA has introduced a new temporary flat rate method to provide ease in claiming this tax credit. You may be eligible to use this credit if you spent 50% of your working hours at home over at least 4 consecutive weeks in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
More information on this credit can be found through this link: https://www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/news/2020/12/simplifying-the-process-forclaiming-a-deduction-for-home-office-expenses-for-employees-working-from-home-due-tocovid- 19.html
THE TAX CREDIT REQUIREMENTS
Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic and lockdowns of businesses many people have been working from home for the required amount of 50% over 4 consecutive weeks. Depending on the amount of time you have worked from home, you may be eligible for up to a $400.00 tax credit.
Tom Stachiw, CIM
Portfolio Manager
MATCO FINANCIAL INC.
Founded in 2006 to manage and service seven family offices, today Matco offers the benefits of our extensive investment management experience to individual investors, foundations, endowments, condominium corporations, trusts, corporations and not-for-profit organizations.
Our mission is to simplify the investment world for our clients by understanding their needs and providing exceptional investment solutions that preserve and grow capital.