How to Write Off Business Laptops on Taxes in Canada

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Can You Write Off a Laptop for Your Business in Canada?
Business vs. Personal Use – Keep It Clean
Why Choosing the Right Laptop Matters
Expert Tip: Timing Your Purchase
Real-Life Scenario
Don’t Forget the CRA Rules
Choose in Your Business—and Your Tax Savings

Whether you’re a freelancer crafting killer designs from your kitchen table, a consultant juggling spreadsheets in a café, or a small business owner scaling your empire, one thing’s certain: your laptop is your lifeline. But here’s the part many Canadians overlook—you might be able to write off that essential tech on your taxes, putting money right back into your pocket.

As someone who’s worked with countless entrepreneurs and small business owners, I can tell you firsthand: understanding how to claim your business laptops can be a game-changer for your bottom line. Let’s walk through how it works in Canada—and how to choose a laptop that truly fits your business needs and tax strategy.

Can You Write Off a Laptop for Your Business in Canada?

Short answer: yes, absolutely! But here’s the nuance.

If you buy a laptop primarily for business use, you can deduct part—or sometimes all—of its cost when filing your taxes. In Canada, the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) allows you to claim it as a Capital Cost Allowance (CCA) asset under Class 50 (computers and systems software).

Rather than deducting the full cost in one swoop, you typically depreciate the laptop over time—up to 55% of its declining balance each year. That’s a pretty generous rate compared to other assets!

But if your laptop is under a certain cost threshold, the CRA allows immediate expensing for certain small businesses, meaning you might claim the entire cost upfront. This can significantly reduce your taxable income for the year.

Business vs. Personal Use – Keep It Clean

Here’s where many Canadians stumble. To qualify, your laptop must be used primarily for business purposes. That doesn’t mean you can’t watch Netflix once in a while—but you need to prove the laptop is necessary for generating business income.

Pro Tip: Keep records—receipts, business usage logs, and even notes on how the laptop supports your work. It’s not uncommon for CRA auditors to ask for proof.

Imagine you’re an accountant using your laptop to run tax software, communicate with clients, and store financial documents. That’s clear business use. But if you’re mainly streaming movies and dabbling in occasional side gigs, the CRA may deny your full deduction.

Why Choosing the Right Laptop Matters

Beyond tax deductions, choosing a laptop with the right specs saves you time, boosts productivity, and ensures your device can handle the software and tasks your business demands.

Here’s where I’ve seen business owners go wrong: buying a bargain-bin laptop that crawls under the weight of business software. Or, conversely, splurging on high-end gaming laptops they’ll never fully utilize for work.

Instead, focus on your business needs:

Multitasking & Power Users
Running multiple apps, video calls, and heavy software? Consider options like the ACEMAGIC 2025 Laptop AMD Ryzen 7 5700U or the HP 15.6″ Touchscreen Laptop, Intel i5-1235U, 32GB RAM. These powerhouses handle demanding workflows effortlessly—and they’re eligible business purchases you could write off.
Everyday Business Tasks
Drafting documents, managing emails, working in cloud apps? Solid mid-range machines like the SGIN Laptop, 15.6 Inch with 8GB DDR3 512GB SSD or the AOC TX15 Laptop 15.6-inch FHD Display deliver performance without overkill.
Budget-Friendly Essentials
For lighter business tasks, the Naclud Laptop, 15.6 Inch, Celeron N4000 or the NOTODD Laptop 16″ 12GB LPDDR4 512GB SSD can be great choices, giving you a professional device at a price point that keeps your cash flow healthy.

Expert Tip: Timing Your Purchase

Many Canadian entrepreneurs don’t realize when you buy your laptop can impact your tax year deductions. For example, purchasing in December versus January might shift your tax savings forward an entire year.

If you’re planning a big upgrade, time it strategically to reduce this year’s taxable income—especially if you’re experiencing higher-than-expected profits.

Real-Life Scenario

A client of mine, Sarah, a Toronto-based marketing consultant, purchased the HP 250 G9 15.6″ HD Anti-Glare Business Laptop last fall. She needed something reliable for video editing, client calls, and cloud collaboration. By keeping her receipts and documenting business use, she claimed it under the CCA rules, reducing her tax bill significantly.

Sarah’s advice? “Don’t wait until tax time to figure this out. Buy a laptop that truly fits your business needs—and keep those records from day one.”

Don’t Forget the CRA Rules

Before you rush out to upgrade, remember:

✅ Keep receipts and documentation.
✅ Ensure the laptop is primarily for business use.
✅ Understand the CCA rules or immediate expensing options.
✅ Talk to your tax professional if in doubt.

Choose in Your Business—and Your Tax Savings

The right laptop isn’t just a business expense—it’s a strategic assessment that can help you stay productive, competitive, and tax-efficient. And with models like the ACEMAGIC Laptop AMD Ryzen 7 6800H Radeon 680M 16-in or the HP 15.6″ HD Touchscreen Laptop, Intel i5-1235U, 32GB RAM, 1.16TB, you’re not just buying a tool—you’re ensuring your business runs smoother and smarter.

So if you’ve been eyeing an upgrade, don’t leave those potential tax savings on the table. The CRA rules are in your favour if you play it right.

Looking for the perfect pick? Explore the top recommendations below while they’re still available – these won’t stay in stock for long.