Forestry operations

You can deduct expenses for buying and using a power saw (including a chain saw or tree trimmer) if you meet all of the following conditions:

You can deduct the cost of a power saw in the year you buy it. However, you have to subtract from the purchase price of the new power saw the value of any trade-in or any amount you received from the sale of any power saw during the year.

When you file your income tax and benefit return, attach a statement that breaks down the cost of running the power saw. Also, keep with your records a copy of Form T2200, Declaration of Conditions of Employment, which has been completed your employer.

Expenses to operate a power saw include any GST and provincial sales tax (PST), or HST, you paid. Enter your power saw expenses on line 22900 of your income tax and benefit return. You may be able to get a rebate of the GST/HST you paid. For more information, see Employee GST/HST Rebate.

You cannot deduct expenses for travelling from your home to a place where you have to report to work on a regular basis. These expenses are personal. For example, you cannot deduct expenses for travelling from your home to a forest camp or to a cutting site if you go to that place on a regular basis. However, the motor vehicle expenses for travelling from a forest camp set up by your employer to the cutting site are incurred in the course of employment. These expenses are therefore deductible if you meet the conditions described in Allowable motor vehicle expenses.

You cannot deduct expenses for board and lodging at a place where you have to report to work on a regular basis. For example, if your employer has a work camp and you report there on a regular basis, you cannot deduct expenses for board and lodging (for example, camp fees) at the work camp since it is considered your employer’s place of business while you are working there.

You cannot deduct the cost of horses and harnesses, snowmobiles, or all-terrain vehicles because these are capital expenditures. Also, you cannot deduct capital cost allowance or interest you paid on money borrowed to buy these things.

Completing your tax return

Enter your power saw expenses on line 22900 of your return.

Forms and publications

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