Interior Designer

Tax guide for self-employed interior designers and decorators in Canada

Allowable Expenses

• Design software licences — AutoCAD, SketchUp, Revit, Adobe CC, or specialized interior design software subscriptions
• Material samples & sourcing — Fabric, tile, and finish samples purchased for client project selection and presentation
• Home office or studio — Proportional share of rent, utilities, and internet for client consultations and design work
• Professional memberships — Interior Designers of Canada (IDC) or provincial association (IDIBC, IDQ) membership dues
• Professional liability insurance — Errors and omissions insurance protecting against design error claims from clients
• Travel to client sites — Vehicle mileage at CRA rates for site visits, installation supervision, and supplier trips

Tax Tips

• Design software licences (AutoCAD, SketchUp, Adobe CC) are fully deductible business expenses
• IDC or IDIBC membership dues and professional development are deductible professional fees
• Material samples purchased for client projects are deductible COGS or Other Expenses
• Vehicle travel between client homes, showrooms, and supplier warehouses is fully deductible

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I claim design software as a business expense as a self-employed interior designer in Canada?

Yes — AutoCAD, SketchUp Pro, Revit, and Adobe Creative Cloud subscriptions used exclusively for your interior design business are fully deductible as business expenses on Form T2125.

Do I charge GST/HST on interior design fees?

Interior design services are generally taxable for GST/HST purposes. Once your annual revenue from design services exceeds C$30,000, you must register for a GST/HST account and collect GST/HST from Canadian clients.