Clientele Services

Trades & Construction

Built for people who build things.

Trades professionals and contractors have some of the best tax deduction opportunities in the Canadian tax code — tools, vehicles, home offices, and more. But only if they're tracked and claimed correctly. We specialize in tradespeople and construction businesses, from sole proprietors to incorporated contractors.

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What We Offer

T1 self-employment return or T2 corporate filing
Tools and equipment expense deductions
Vehicle and mileage expense tracking
HST registration and filing for contractors
Payroll for construction crews
Subcontractor payment reporting (T4A slips)
Home office deductions for owner-operators
CRA compliance and audit support

Who Is This For?

Electricians and electrical contractorsPlumbers and pipefittersHVAC and refrigeration techniciansRoofers and insulation contractorsGeneral contractors and renovatorsCarpenters, drywallers, and flooring tradesLandscapers and snow removal operators

Why Choose Synergy

Maximize Tool & Equipment Deductions

Tools, machinery, and equipment used for your trade are deductible. We ensure you're claiming CCA on major equipment and fully expensing eligible tools each year.

Vehicle Expenses Done Right

If you drive your own vehicle for work, a portion of fuel, insurance, maintenance, and depreciation is deductible. We calculate the correct business-use percentage and claim every dollar.

Subcontractor Compliance

If you pay subcontractors over $500, you must file T4A slips. We handle sub reporting to keep you compliant and avoid CRA penalties.

Should You Incorporate?

Once your contracting income exceeds a threshold, incorporating can save thousands in taxes. We model the numbers and guide you through incorporation when the time is right.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I deduct my work boots, tools, and safety gear?

Yes. Tools, safety gear, work boots, and uniforms required for your trade are deductible as business expenses. There's no dollar cap for self-employed tradespeople (unlike the $500 employment expense limit for T4 employees). We review every category of trade-specific expenses to ensure nothing is missed.

Do I need to charge HST to my clients?

Once your annual revenue exceeds $30,000, you must register for HST and charge it on your invoices. If you work primarily for other businesses (B2B), the HST is a pass-through for your clients. If you work for homeowners (B2C), the HST is a real cost to them. We handle registration and ongoing quarterly or annual filing.

I pay subcontractors in cash. Is that a problem?

Cash payments to subcontractors are deductible, but you must still issue T4A slips for anyone paid over $500 in the year. CRA scrutinizes the construction industry for unreported income and undisclosed subcontractors. We set up a proper system to document all payments so you can defend every deduction.

What records do I need to keep?

For a trades business, keep: all invoices you issue, all receipts for materials and expenses, a mileage log for vehicle use, bank statements, and records of subcontractor payments. CRA can audit up to 6 years back. We advise on a simple record-keeping system that satisfies CRA requirements without overwhelming you.

Ready to get started?

Let's talk.

Book a free, no-obligation consultation with our team today.

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Accounting for Trades & Construction Toronto | Synergy Tax and Accounting | Synergy Tax and Accounting