1. Many Canadians leave money on the table by forgetting credits like medical expenses, disability amounts, or the Canada Caregiver Credit. If you paid for prescriptions, dental work, or renovations for accessibility, gather those receipts now. Even if you missed claiming them in previous years, you can adjust past returns for up to 10 years.

2.Donations to registered charities can generate a federal credit of 15% on the first $200 and 29% (or even 33% for high-income earners) on amounts above that, plus provincial credits. If you haven’t donated yet, consider doing so before year-end—or check if you have receipts from earlier years. You can carry forward unused donations for up to five years.

3. While the RRSP contribution deadline for the previous tax year is usually 60 days into the new year, you can still plan ahead. If you contributed early this year, make sure you claim it correctly. And if you expect a refund, consider reinvesting it into your TFSA for tax-free growth. This “RRSP refund trick” is one of the easiest ways to boost savings without extra cash out of pocket.

4. If you sold investments at a profit in a non-registered account, you might owe capital gains tax. One overlooked strategy is tax-loss harvesting—selling underperforming investments to offset those gains. Remember the superficial loss rule: you can’t buy back the same security within 30 days or the loss won’t count. Losses can also be carried back three years or forward indefinitely.

5. Tuition credits, charitable donations, and even capital losses can often be carried forward. If you had low-income last year and couldn’t use all your credits, don’t let them expire. Students, for example, can carry forward tuition credits indefinitely. Review your Notice of Assessment or CRA My Account to see what’s available—you might have hidden savings waiting.

Quick Checklist ….Before April 30!

Gather medical expenses, caregiver costs, and accessibility renovation receipts.

• • • Confirm charitable donations and consider pooling for maximum credit.

    • Double-check RRSP contributions and plan to reinvest your refund.

    • Review investment accounts for tax-loss selling opportunities.

    • Log in to CRA My Account to check unused credits and carryforwards.

Tax season doesn’t have to be stressful—or expensive.

By taking advantage of these overlooked strategies before April 30, you can reduce your tax bill and keep more money in your pocket.

Don’t wait until the last minute—review your receipts, check your CRA account, and consider speaking with a tax professional to make sure you’re not leaving money on the table.