Real Estate Agent
Tax guide for Canadian self-employed real estate agents and REALTORS
Allowable Expenses
- RECO / provincial realtor dues — Real Estate Council annual registration and OREA/CREA dues
- Vehicle costs — Client property viewings — actual costs × business-use percentage
- Marketing & advertising — Property listings, print materials, digital ads, photography
- Errors & omissions insurance — Mandatory E&O insurance for real estate transactions
- MLS & brokerage fees — MLS board fees and brokerage desk fees or split arrangements
- Client gifts & entertainment — 50% of business meals and client gifts subject to CRA's 50% entertainment limitation
Tax Tips
- CREA, OREA, and local board membership dues are deductible professional membership fees
- A vehicle used to drive clients to properties requires a detailed mileage logbook
- Professional photography for property listings is a fully deductible marketing expense
- E&O insurance — mandatory in all provinces — is 100% deductible
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I claim vehicle costs as a real estate agent in Canada?
Maintain a mileage logbook recording every client-related drive — date, address visited, client name, and kilometres. Calculate your business-use percentage (business km ÷ total km). Apply that percentage to your actual vehicle costs (fuel, insurance, repairs, lease payments, CCA) to determine the deductible amount.