CRA Write-Off: If You Work From Home, You Could Qualify for a $400 Tax Credit

COVID-19 triggered a transition to remote work. Now, millions of Canadians working from home could qualify for a $400 tax credit. For passive-income opportunities, Manulife Financial stock is an attractive investment option.

| More on:

When COVID-19 was declared a global pandemic in March 2020, one of the responses to prevent the coronavirus’s spread was to allow employees to work remotely or at home. People thought it was a temporary thing and that office work would resume soon. However, it’s been almost 11 months, and millions still work from home, full-time and part-time.

The transition to remote work entailed necessary expenses to have a semblance of office atmosphere. Canadians used available spaces at home as workstations. Before 2020, some were already claiming the deduction of the workspace-in-home expense from the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA). However, it was too cumbersome for claimants.

On December 15, 2020, the CRA took the cue from the 2020 Fall Economic Statement and announced a simplified process to claim the home office expense deduction. If your contract or employment requires you to pay the expenses and the same are not reimbursable by your employer, you could qualify for a $400 tax credit.

Home office expense guidelines

Unlike before, eligible employees can now skip the detailed presentation of expenses and follow the CRA’s new temporary flat rate method. If you worked from home in 2020 for more than 50% of the time in at least four consecutive weeks due to COVID-19, you’re eligible to claim the home office expenses deduction.

The flat rate or deduction is $2 for each day you worked at home up to a maximum of $400. Likewise, completing a Form T2200 or Form T2200S is not necessary. Those with larger claims can still use the existing detailed method to calculate the home office expenses deduction.

If you choose the precise method, you must obtain a completed and signed form T2200 or a new form T2200S by your employer. You must also determine the percentage of time you worked from home and eligibility for deducting home office expenses.

Seamless transition

In recent months and during quarterly earnings calls, the work-from-home topic was central to the discussions. Among the companies that reported a seamless transition was Manulife Financial (TSX:MFC)(NYSE:MFC). According to the global insurer’s CEO, Roy Gori, Manulife already had a matured work-from-home culture.

Investors also count Manulife as among the reliable income stocks on the TSX. Canadians looking to create passive income during the pandemic should find the 4.78% dividend offer very attractive. The payouts should be safe as the payout ratio is less than 50%.

The current share price of $23.68 is 3% lower than it was a year ago, although market analysts forecast a 35% appreciation to $32 in the next 12 months. Manulife is an excellent investment choice, as it’s among the top 10 life insurers globally. This $45.93 billion Canadian icon has nearly $1.2 trillion worth of assets under management.

Manulife is a recent addition to the Canadian Dividend Aristocrat list. Over the last five years, the insurance stock has delivered annual dividend increases (11% CAGR average). Management’s medium-term target is to achieve an EPS growth of between 10% and 12%.

The new work setting

The simplified process to claim the home office expense deduction is welcome news. Eligible employees can claim the tax write-off in the coming tax season. Working from home is the new normal in the corporate landscape.

This article represents the opinion of the writer, who may disagree with the “official” recommendation position of a Motley Fool premium service or advisor. We’re Motley! Questioning an investing thesis — even one of our own — helps us all think critically about investing and make decisions that help us become smarter, happier, and richer, so we sometimes publish articles that may not be in line with recommendations, rankings or other content.

Fool contributor Christopher Liew has no position in any of the stocks mentioned.

More on Dividend Stocks

investment research
Dividend Stocks

Best Stock to Buy Right Now: TD Bank vs Manulife Financial?

TD and Manulife can both be interesting stock picks for today, depending on your investment style.

Read more »

A worker gives a business presentation.
Dividend Stocks

2 Dividend Stocks to Double Up on Right Now

These stocks are out of favour but could deliver nice returns over the coming years.

Read more »

Man holds Canadian dollars in differing amounts
Dividend Stocks

This 5.5 Percent Dividend Stock Pays Cash Every Month

This defensive retail REIT could be your ticket to high monthly income.

Read more »

Confused person shrugging
Dividend Stocks

Passive Income: How Much Do You Need to Invest to Make $600 Per Month?

Do you want passive income coming in every single month? Here's how to make it and a top dividend ETF…

Read more »

Canadian Dollars bills
Dividend Stocks

3 Monthly-Paying Dividend Stocks to Boost Your Passive Income

Given their healthy cash flows and high yields, these three monthly-paying dividend stocks could boost your passive income.

Read more »

Make a choice, path to success, sign
Dividend Stocks

The TFSA Blueprint to Generate $3,695.48 in Yearly Passive Income

The blueprint to generate yearly passive income in a TFSA is to maximize the contribution limits.

Read more »

hand stacks coins
Dividend Stocks

3 Ultra-High-Yield Dividend Stocks You Can Buy and Hold for a Decade

These three high-yield dividend stocks still have some work to do, but each are in steady areas that are only…

Read more »

senior man and woman stretch their legs on yoga mats outside
Dividend Stocks

TFSA: 2 Canadian Stocks to Buy and Hold Forever

Here are 2 TFSA-worthy Canadian stocks. Which one is a good buy for your TFSA today?

Read more »