Self-employed in Quebec: which business expenses can you really deduct in 2025?

As a self-employed worker in Quebec, it is tempting to deduct as many expenses as possible to reduce your net income on T2125 and TP-80. But not every expense is deductible, and some must be prorated for personal use.

Here is a high-level tour of the main categories in plain language, with 2025-oriented examples.

1. Basic rule: expenses to earn business income

Revenu Quebec and the CRA require that an expense:

• Be reasonable, and
• Be incurred to earn business or professional income.

Purely personal expenses (regular clothing, groceries, leisure trips) are not deductible.

2. Day-to-day operating expenses

Common expenses for consultants, tradespeople, and professionals include:

• Advertising and marketing: website, business cards, online ads.
• Supplies: paper, toner, small equipment.
• Telecommunications: mobile phone, internet, dedicated lines.
• Software and subscriptions: office suites, invoicing tools, CRM.
• Professional fees: accountant, lawyer, advisory services.

Example

A marketing consultant in Montreal reports for 2025:

• $1,800 in phone/internet (bundled plans).
• $900 in software and professional subscriptions.
• $2,400 in online advertising.

If 70% of phone/internet use is for business, the deductible portion is:

• $1,800 × 70% = $1,260.
• Plus $900 + $2,400 = $4,560 total for these items.

3. Travel and vehicle expenses

Vehicle costs are sensitive in audits. You must:

• Keep a mileage log (opening/closing odometer, total distance, business trips).
• Separate personal trips (groceries, family) from business trips (clients, sites, suppliers).

Deductible expenses (pro-rated for business use) may include:

• Fuel.
• Maintenance and repairs.
• Auto insurance.
• Registration and licence fees.
• Interest on financing or lease payments.
• Business parking.

For more depth, see:

• How to track mileage and vehicle expenses correctly as a self-employed worker in Quebec.

4. Home office

If your home is your main place of business or you regularly meet clients there, a portion of home costs may be deductible:

• Heating and electricity.
• Mortgage interest and property taxes.
• Home insurance.
• Maintenance (cleaning, small repairs).

The most common allocation key is the area of the office compared with the total living area, adjusted if needed for professional vs personal use.

Note: the home office deduction cannot create or increase a business loss; excess amounts are carried forward.

5. Meals and entertainment

Restaurant meals are generally limited to 50% deductibility and only when directly linked to your business (clients, travel, business meetings).

Example:

• $1,200 in restaurant bills during the year.
• You identify $200 as personal.
• Business portion: $1,000.
• Deductible share: $1,000 × 50% = $500.

6. GST/QST and expenses

If you are registered for GST/QST:

• Separate pre-tax amounts from recoverable taxes on your invoices.
• Correctly claim input tax credits (ITCs) / input tax refunds (ITRs) on eligible expenses in your returns.

For registration thresholds and common mistakes, also see:

• GST/QST for self-employed workers in Quebec: registration thresholds, timing, and common errors.

7. Capital assets and CCA

Certain large purchases (computer, furniture, equipment, vehicle) are not deducted in full in Year 1. They go into CCA classes and are depreciated over several years.

• Example: a $2,000 laptop purchased in 2025.
• Recorded in the right class; only a percentage is deductible annually.

Call to action

If you are self-employed in Quebec and unsure which expenses you can really deduct, TaxCove can review your records, structure your categories, and optimize your returns. To get started, complete our online form on the secure tax intake form page.

Important notice

This article provides general information only and does not constitute personalized tax advice. Revenu Quebec and CRA rules can change and contain many exceptions. Always validate your tax choices with a professional or directly with the tax authorities.