Canadian Freelancer Starter Kit

💰 Hourly Rate Calculator

Calculate your ideal billing rate based on your goals

📝 CRA Deduction Guide

Common self-employment deductions to track

• Home Office Expenses (utils, rent, mortgage interest, property tax - pro-rated)
• Vehicle Expenses (km logged for business, gas, insurance, maintenance)
• Phone Expenses (cell phone, home phone - business portion)
• Internet Expenses (business portion)
• Software & Subscriptions (Adobe CC, Microsoft 365, tool subscriptions)
• Office Supplies & Equipment (computer, desk, chair, printer)
• Professional Development (courses, workshops, conferences, certifications)
• Business Insurance (liability, professional liability, health
• Meals & Entertainment (50% claimable for business meetings)
• Accounting & Legal Fees
• Banking & Credit Card Fees
• Marketing & Advertising (website, ads, business cards)

🚀 First Steps Checklist

Essential steps to start your freelance business in Canada

• Register Your Business Name (DBA or incorporate)
• Open a Business Bank Account
• Register for GST/HST (required if revenues > $30K/year)
• Get a Business Number (BN) from CRA
• Set Up Quarterly Tax Installments (if > $3K owing)
• Set Up Record Keeping System (invoices, receipts, expenses)
• Create Standard Client Contracts
• Get Professional Liability Insurance
• Set Up Invoicing & Payment Terms
• Plan for Retirement (RRSP or TFSA options)

🔗 Key Canadian Freelancer Resources

Official CRA resources and forms for freelancers

• CRA My Account

  Manage your tax information, view refunds, and access your tax history

  https://www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/services/e-service/e-service-account.html

• GST/HST Registration

  https://www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/services/e-service/e-service-account.html

• T2125 Form (Statement of Business Activities)

  Complete this form to report your self-employment income and expenses

  https://www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/services/forms-guides/t2125.html

• CRA Self-Employment Guide

  Information for self-employed individuals on deductions, record keeping, and more

  https://www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/services/forms-guides/t4002.html

• Canada Business Network

  Resources for starting and managing a business in Canada

  https://www.canada.ca/en/services/business.html

• Provincial Professional Associations

  Check for industry-specific associations (e.g., ICD, PMIC, P.Eng for engineers)