I have been working in trades for the last 15 years for the same employer who has been good enough to replace my lost or worn out tools
Well times are changing and now we get a tool allowance of $800.After getting dinged in taxes we end up with $500 and change.Im not complaining just wondering if I can write off any other tool expenses come tax time.My employer is a provincially funded hospital.The problem is I have tickets in both electrical and refrigeration and sadly the new tool allowance wont even come close to cutting it.How would I go about finding the amount I can write off at tax time if any. Thanks

I just sent off my tax return filing code to my book keeper I noticed there was an insert mentioning something about a tool allowance I didnt read it as I am a self employed contractor

I would think if anyone could write off tools it would be self employed contractors.Shows how out of touch I am working for the government I guess

I went to the Canada revenue site and typed in tool expenses. Several things came up.
1. Form t777 - fill out if employer requires you pay expenses to earn your employment income. Line 1770 Tradesperson's tools expenses (see Chapter 7)
2. Also your employer will need to fill out form t2200 stating that he requires you to purchase your own tools.
Probably more to it than I know but hope this helps you get started.

Going to look now.Thanks