Posted By 
By David J. Rotfleisch
Special to the Financial Independence Hub
While the most common tax savings tips such as contributing to an RRSP are well publicized, there are tricks that are not well known except by tax professionals.
So, here are obscure ways that we, as long-time Canadian tax lawyers, recommend for you, or people you know, to save on your taxes. After all, you have to make it to spend it.
Reduce Source Deduction Amounts
If you have income tax deductions that result in a large tax refund when you file your 2016 income tax return, then you can submit a form TD-1 form early in 2017 to reduce the amount of source deductions withheld by your employer from each subsequent paycheque.
This will mean money in your pocket every week instead of in 2018 when you file your 2017 tax return.
First Time Donor Tax Credit
2017 is the last year that you can benefit from an additional 25% tax credit for charitable donations made by a Canadian taxpayer who has never claimed a charitable donation in the past. So, if you’ve never made a charitable donation this is your chance to top it off at CRA’s expense.
Medical Expense claims for Spouse or Dependent
You can claim all medical expenses paid not only for yourself but also for your spouse and dependents, even if they have their own income and file their own tax returns.
