Canadian creators and streamers on platforms like OnlyFans, Twitch, and Patreon can reduce their taxable income by claiming business expenses that are reasonable, documented, and aligned with Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) guidelines. This 2025 guide details deductible expenses, such as cameras, software, home office, and internet, and explains how to maintain CRA-friendly evidence for audits. It also covers claiming input tax credits (ITCs) for GST/HST to maximize savings. Consulting a professional like 786 Venture CPA ensures compliance and optimized deductions.
TL;DR
- Deduct What’s Reasonable and Documented: Expenses like cameras, software, internet, and home office costs are deductible if tied to your creator business and backed by receipts and a clear business purpose. CRA Allowable Business Expenses.
- Track GST/HST ITCs Carefully: Claim ITCs on GST/HST paid for business expenses if registered for GST/HST (required when taxable supplies exceed $30,000).
Deductible Expenses for Creators and Streamers
Below are key deductible expenses for Canadian creators and streamers, with examples and documentation tips to ensure CRA compliance. All expenses must be incurred to earn business income, reasonable in amount, and supported by evidence like receipts, invoices, or bank statements.
1. Equipment (Cameras, Microphones, Computers)
- What’s Deductible: Cameras, microphones, computers, lighting, and streaming gear used primarily for content creation. Small items (e.g., $200 webcam) can be expensed immediately; large purchases (e.g., $2,000 camera) may require capitalization as capital cost allowance (CCA) over years, typically at 20% for Class 8 assets.
- Example: A Twitch streamer buys a $1,000 camera in Ontario (13% HST = $130). Deduct the $1,000 (or claim CCA) and $130 ITC if GST/HST-registered. A $500 microphone in Alberta (5% GST = $25) allows a $25 ITC.
- Documentation: Keep purchase receipts, invoices, and a log noting business use (e.g., “Camera for OnlyFans video shoots, 90% business use”). If personal use exceeds 10%, prorate the deduction.
2. Software and Subscriptions
- What’s Deductible: Software like Adobe Creative Suite ($600/year), Streamlabs ($149/year), or Canva Pro ($120/year), and subscriptions like Twitch Turbo ($12/month) used for content creation or streaming.
- Example: A Patreon creator in Quebec pays $600 for Adobe Premiere (5% GST + 9.975% QST = $89.85 total tax). Deduct $600 and claim $30 ITC (GST) + $59.85 ITR (QST) if registered. In Alberta, a $120 Canva subscription (5% GST = $6) allows a $6 ITC.
- Documentation: Save digital receipts or PayPal/credit card statements. Note business purpose (e.g., “Streamlabs for Twitch overlays”). CRA Recordkeeping Guide.
3. Internet and Utilities
- What’s Deductible: A portion of internet and utilities (e.g., electricity, heating) based on business use. Calculate the percentage of your home used for work (e.g., 20% of a 100 sq ft office in a 500 sq ft home) or time spent streaming.
- Example: A creator in Ontario with a $100/month internet bill (13% HST = $13) uses it 50% for business. Deduct $50/month ($600/year) and claim $6.50/month ITC ($78/year). In Quebec, a $100 internet bill (14.975% GST/QST = $14.98) at 50% business use allows $50 deduction + $7.49 ITC/ITR.
- Documentation: Keep utility bills and a floor plan or log showing business use percentage. For internet, note streaming hours (e.g., “20 hours/week streaming, 40 hours total internet use”).
4. Home Office
- What’s Deductible: A portion of rent, mortgage interest, property taxes, or maintenance for a dedicated workspace, prorated by square footage or time used. Self-employed creators use Form T2125.
- Example: An OnlyFans creator in Alberta rents a $2,000/month apartment, using a 100 sq ft room (10% of 1,000 sq ft) for content creation. Deduct $200/month ($2,400/year). In Ontario, add 13% HST on utilities (e.g., $20 HST on $200 maintenance) for ITC claims.
- Documentation: Save lease agreements, utility bills, and a diagram of your workspace. Log business use (e.g., “Office for Patreon video editing, 10% of home”).
5. Marketing and Professional Fees
- What’s Deductible: Social media ads, website hosting, branding materials, and professional services (e.g., accounting, legal). For example, $500 for a CPA to set up QBO or $200 for Instagram ads.
- Example: A Twitch streamer in Quebec spends $300 on ads (14.975% GST/QST = $44.93). Deduct $300 and claim $15 ITC + $29.93 ITR. In Alberta, a $500 CPA fee (5% GST = $25) allows a $25 ITC.
- Documentation: Retain invoices, PayPal receipts, or contracts. Note business purpose (e.g., “CPA for GST/HST filing”).
6. Travel and Mileage (Content-Related)
- What’s Deductible: Mileage for content-related travel (e.g., filming locations) at 70 cents/km in 2025. Hotels or flights for creator events are also deductible.
- Example: A Calgary-based Patreon creator drives 100 km for a shoot (70 cents/km = $70 deduction). In Ontario, a $200 hotel stay (13% HST = $26) allows a $26 ITC.
- Documentation: Keep a mileage log (date, destination, km, purpose) and hotel receipts. Use apps like MileIQ for tracking.
Recordkeeping for CRA Compliance
Maintain records for six years to survive CRA audits:
- Receipts/Invoices: Digital or paper copies for all expenses (e.g., $1,000 camera receipt, $120 Canva invoice).
- Bank Statements: Match platform payouts (e.g., Twitch CSV showing $500 Bits) to deposits.
- Business Use Logs: Document percentage or hours for internet, home office, or equipment (e.g., “80% business use for $100 internet bill”).
- GST/HST Evidence: Save QBO reports or platform CSVs showing taxes collected (e.g., 13% HST on Ontario subscriptions). CRA Recordkeeping Guide.
Use the Deduction Tracker to organize expenses and the Audit Checklist to ensure audit-readiness. Non-compliance, like missing ITC documentation, can lead to denied claims or penalties (1% monthly + interest).