If you’re a business owner in Canada, you might be wondering whether your business loan is tax-deductible in Canada. The answer is yes, mainly the interest on loans used for business purposes can be deducted. Understanding the rules for business loan interest write-off in Canada helps you reduce taxable income and stay compliant.
This guide covers everything you need to know about loan expenses, including small business tax tips and how loan repayment and taxes interact in 2025. You’ll learn which costs qualify, how to claim them, and common mistakes to avoid so you can keep more of your money while following CRA rules.
Which Expenses Are Deductible?
You can deduct expenses that directly relate to earning business income. The primary deductible expenses include:
- Interest on business loans: The interest you pay on money borrowed for your business is deductible.
- Loan fees: Some fees, like administration or processing charges, are deductible.
- Operating vs. capital expenses: Operating costs, like loan interest for day-to-day operations, are deductible immediately. Capital expenses, such as buying equipment or vehicles, are not deductible outright. Instead, you add them to the asset’s cost and claim depreciation over time.
For more details on your options, check our Business Financing page. If you run a retail operation, our Retail Stores Financing page shows tailored solutions.
Claiming Interest
You can deduct interest on loans used for business income, but you must follow CRA rules. Here’s how:
- Keep detailed records: Save loan agreements, bank statements, and receipts. These documents prove your claims if CRA asks.
- Track usage carefully: If a loan is partly for personal use, claim only the business portion. For instance, a $20,000 loan used half for business and half personally allows deduction only on $10,000.
- Report correctly: Corporations report interest on their income statements. Sole proprietors report on Form T2125.
Our Professional Services Financing page explains how service-based businesses can track and claim deductions correctly.
Tax Tips for Business Owners
Follow these tips to maximize deductions and stay compliant:
- Use separate accounts: Track business loans in dedicated accounts. Mixing personal and business accounts complicates deductions.
- Prepay interest carefully: CRA limits the timing of prepaid interest claims.
- Ask a professional: A tax advisor ensures you claim all eligible deductions and follow CRA rules.
Good record-keeping makes claiming deductions easier. See our Merchant Cash Advance Canada guide for strategies on managing cash flow and tracking loans effectively.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Avoid these pitfalls:
- Mixing personal and business loans: Only business-related interest counts.
- Claiming principal repayments: You cannot deduct the principal.
- Skipping documentation: CRA requires proof linking interest to business activity.
Loan Fees and Other Deductions
Besides interest, some loan-related fees are deductible:
- Loan setup fees: Some banks charge fees to set up a loan. CRA may allow deductions.
- Bank charges: Monthly maintenance or service fees can be deductible if tied to your business loan.
- Legal fees: Legal costs for negotiating or drafting loan agreements can sometimes be deducted.
Document all fees clearly. If you want examples of how different businesses use financing, check our Transportation and Logistics Financing and Auto Shops Financing pages for real financing use cases.
Interest Deduction Rules
CRA allows deductions if you meet these criteria:
- Borrowed money to earn income from a business or property.
- Used the borrowed money directly for business purposes.
- Maintained proper records showing how the money was used.
You cannot deduct interest for personal use. For example, a loan to pay your mortgage is not deductible even if you run a business. If you want examples of how businesses use loans for operations and growth, see our E-Commerce Financing page, which explains financing options for online businesses.
Planning Your Loan Deductions
Plan your borrowing to maximize deductions:
- Separate loans by purpose: Use one loan for payroll, another for equipment.
- Track timing: Deduct interest in the year you pay it. Prepaid interest is limited.
- Consider repayment schedule: Monthly payments allow monthly deductions; annual payments allow annual deductions.
Planning ahead ensures you capture all allowable deductions. Our Business Financing guides show how different loans and financing options suit different business models, helping you match funding to your business needs.
Working With a Tax Advisor
A tax advisor can help you:
- Identify all deductible expenses.
- Track loan usage and interest correctly.
- Avoid mistakes that trigger audits.
- Plan borrowing for tax efficiency.
Even small businesses benefit from professional guidance.
Key Takeaways
- You can deduct interest and certain fees on business loans in Canada.
- Only business-related expenses qualify.
- Keep detailed records to stay compliant.
- Track loans separately and report correctly.
- Avoid claiming principal repayments.
- Consult a tax advisor for guidance.
Following these rules helps you save money and avoid CRA issues. Proper planning and documentation make claiming deductions straightforward.
