Tax Optimization • • 5 min read

How I Actually Wrote Off $4,500 in Invisalign

I didn't know Canadian business owners could write off Invisalign tax-free until I needed braces. Here's how I saved $4500.

I went to the dentist recently. I try to take reasonable care of my teeth. Floss as much as the next guy. Hug the tooth and all that.

The dentist mentioned I'd need braces.

Now, I had braces for roughly 2-3 years as a child. I was confused because I thought it was a cure-all, but apparently your teeth drift after 20 years. Who knew.

No matter. They walked me through the options. Invisalign seemed like an actual dream compared to the janky, tooth-trap Lisa Simpson-style braces I used to have.

The Big Book of British Smiles from The Simpsons

Ahh, just like the 90s

Invisalign seemed a lot more comfortable and modern. I don't really care about the "look" - I just remember the tightening cycles, no popcorn, limited sticky food. I like my lifestyle.

I was like, "I'd really love the Invisalign," but of course, this is an elective thing not covered by standard insurance policies.

Then I Started Researching

I'm a business owner. I have a corporation. I wondered: is there a way I can write this off?

I found a bomb of a tool I hadn't been using up to this point.

It's an HSA. And I realized: holy fuck, I've been leaving tonnes of money on the table paying after-tax dollars for health expenses.

Not only was I able to write off the whole Invisalign tax-free, I've been using it for all kinds of stuff to manage cash flow.

You need an accredited account. I use Olympia Benefits. But this is a game changer.

I've got my spouse on it. We'll undersign any kids in our future as well.

Wait, Why Isn't Everyone Doing This?

A few months later, I actually called Olympia and said: "Man, I found your tool so useful. Why isn't this well known by Canadian entrepreneurs?"

Beats me. I guess people tune out when they talk about tax.

If you have a corporation and you're paying out of pocket for your health stuff, seriously. You have to look into this account.

It will save you a damn fortune.

Here's how it works:

Health Spending Account (HSA) Basics

  1. Your corporation contributes pre-tax dollars to your HSA
  2. You use those dollars for eligible medical expenses (Invisalign, dental work, prescriptions, physio, etc.)
  3. You write it off as a business expense
  4. You don't pay personal tax on it

Real Example

  • Invisalign cost: $4,500
  • Without HSA: Pay with after-tax personal dollars (you earned ~$6,500 to net $4,500 after tax)
  • With HSA: Corporation pays $4,500 pre-tax, you get full benefit

You just saved $2,000.

And it's not just Invisalign. I've been using it for:

  • Prescription glasses
  • Physiotherapy
  • Dental work
  • Massage therapy
  • Prescriptions

All pre-tax. All written off.

The Setup

Setting up an HSA is stupidly simple:

  1. Find an accredited provider (I use Olympia Benefits)
  2. Set up your account (takes like 20 minutes)
  3. Decide your annual contribution (based on your health expenses)
  4. Submit receipts (they process and reimburse you)
  5. Write it off (your accountant will love you)

Cost: Usually a small admin fee (mine's like $10/month for the account)

Savings: Literally thousands per year depending on your expenses

Who Should Do This

If you:

  • Own a corporation
  • Pay for health expenses out of pocket
  • Are currently paying after-tax dollars for medical/dental
  • Have a spouse or dependents with health expenses

You're leaving money on the table.

I'm kicking myself for not setting this up years ago. But better late than never.

Ready to Stop Leaving Money on the Table?

Set up your Health Spending Account with Olympia Benefits and start writing off your medical expenses tax-free.

Get Started with Olympia Benefits

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