T2200 Explained: Why Your Employer’s Refusal Is Costing You Money

Your employer won’t sign your T2200? That’s not a policy — that’s financial sabotage.

If you’re here, it’s probably because your employer just pulled the classic “We don’t do T2200s” line — and now you’re wondering if that’s even legit.

Spoiler alert: it’s not only shady, it could be costing you hundreds in tax deductions.

Let’s break it down — no corporate sugar-coating.

What the Hell Is a T2200?

The T2200 is a Declaration of Conditions of Employment. It's a form your employer signs to confirm that, yes, you had to cover some work expenses out of pocket — and that you're eligible to deduct them on your tax return.

Live in Québec? They’ve got their own version too.

Different name. Same concept.

No T2200 = you can’t deduct those expenses.

Doesn’t matter how legit they are — if it’s not signed, it doesn’t count.

So Why Aren’t Employers Issuing It?

Great question. I’m seeing it more and more — companies acting like signing a T2200 will bankrupt them. Or worse: like acknowledging your home office makes them lose power.

Let me be clear: employers are NOT legally required to issue it. It's not mandatory. It’s discretionary. Which means if your boss doesn’t like you, they can simply say no.(And some of them absolutely use it like a loyalty reward system.)

The real epidemic? Home office expenses getting denied — especially for remote employees who work from home full-time. You set up a dedicated office. You cover internet, electricity, maybe even renovations.

Come tax time? Your employer says,

“Well, working from home was really your benefit.”Excuse me? You saved them thousands in office space — and you’re the one getting the shaft?

CRA’s Own Words — Read This Carefully

Let’s settle the confusion with actual CRA policy:

"Your employer required you to work from home. This requirement does not have to be part of your employment contract, however, it should be a written or verbal agreement."

AND:

"If an employee has voluntarily entered into a formal telework arrangement with their employer, the employee is considered to have been required to work from home."

Let that sink in.

Verbal agreement = valid. Formal telework policy = valid. No need for a clause in your contract.

So when HR or Legal tells you otherwise, hand them a printed screenshot of CRA’s website and politely ask them to stop living in 1998.

Why It Matters

• No T2200 = no home office deduction

• No internet write-off

• No utility % deduction

• No claim for office supplies, phone plans, or even ergonomic chairs

All that money you spent just to do your damn job from home? CRA won’t let you claim it unless you’ve got that stupid little form.

True Story: Changing a Lawyer’s Mind

I had a client whose company’s lawyer flat-out refused to sign the T2200. After I went in and quoted CRA directly, line by line — guess what? They signed.

I’ve had multiple wins like that. And if your employer’s being stubborn, I’ll take the fight to them too. Professionally, of course — but with teeth.

And if they still won’t sign after everything? Maybe it’s time to ask yourself: does this company really value you? Because I sure as hell would.

What to Do If You’re Being Denied a T2200

1. Start by asking your employer — politely — and explain why it matters

2. If they say no, ask for it in writing (you’ll want that)

3. Book a call with me — I’ll go over your situation and, if we’ve got a case, I’ll advocate directly

4. And if it’s truly not possible? I’ll help you maximize every other legal deduction you can claim

   
   

Because your tax return shouldn't suffer because of office politics.

Final Thought

A signed T2200 costs your employer 5 minutes of their time. It could save you hundreds.

So if they’re hiding behind red tape, outdated policies, or straight-up ignorance? Let me handle it.

I don’t back down from laziness or incompetence.

I'm here to help.