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Virtual Assistant Taxes in Canada
VAs usually work from home for several clients, often in other countries, using a stack of subscriptions.
What virtual assistants can usually deduct
- Home office share of rent, utilities and insurance
- Software: project tools, email, scheduling, password managers
- Computer, headset and second monitor (CCA)
- Internet and phone (business share)
- Training and certifications for your current services
- Platform and payment fees
Only the business part of a cost is deductible, and you need a receipt or record for each. See CRA's guide T4002.
GST/HST
Services to clients outside Canada are often zero-rated; Canadian clients pay GST/HST once you are registered. Check with our GST/HST calculator.
Keep good records
Convert foreign payments to CAD and keep a monthly log of hours and invoices per client. Keep records for six years.
What to set aside — quick estimate
Income tax + CPP/QPPSet aside each monthEffective rate
Full breakdown by bracket:Open the tax calculator
Your province
- Self-employed tax in Ontario
- Self-employed tax in Quebec
- Self-employed tax in British Columbia
- Self-employed tax in Alberta
- Self-employed tax in Manitoba
- Self-employed tax in Saskatchewan
- Self-employed tax in Nova Scotia
- Self-employed tax in New Brunswick
- Self-employed tax in Newfoundland and Labrador
- Self-employed tax in Prince Edward Island
- Self-employed tax in Yukon
- Self-employed tax in Northwest Territories
- Self-employed tax in Nunavut
Built for virtual assistants in Canada. PlanTaxes.Pro finds your receipts in Gmail, sorts them into T2125 categories, adds the GST/HST and shows what to set aside. Opens November 27 — join the list for 20% off.
Questions
Can a VA claim home office expenses?
Yes, if the workspace is your principal place of business or used only for business and regularly to meet clients.
Do I charge HST to US clients?
Services to non-residents are often zero-rated — 0% — but confirm the rules for your situation.