Are Trading Service Subscriptions Deductible?

I pay monthly for an options trading service that gives me options trade ideas that I execute in my non-registered account. Can I put the total annual cost of the service as an investment cost on my tax return?

If this is a subscription fee for financial newsletters or other information services the amount will generally not be deductible.

Certain specific investment advice is a carrying charge if the payment helps you to earn income from property. This includes advice for buying or selling specific shares or securities, investment counsel fees paid to unrelated persons if reasonable – that is paid on time and type of work that is done.

So, unless you show the potential for earning interest or dividend income results from your trading, the fee will not be deductible. With options, there is no income from property, so no deduction.