First Time Home Buyer Incentives
This video outlines three outstanding first time home buyer incentives that are offered by the Provincial and Federal governments. You will want to learn more about these incentives, if you are looking to buy your first home in Guelph or other areas of Ontario.
Home Buyer’s Plan (HBP):
This federal government program allows you to borrow up to $25,000 from your RRSP tax free to fund your purchase. If both you and your spouse qualify, you can each borrow up to $25,000 from your RRSPs, for a total of $50,000. The money must have been in your RRSP for at least 90 days. Here’s how it works:
Qualifying for the HBP – You must not have lived in a home owned by you or your spouse in the last 5 years. You must have entered into a written agreement to buy or build a home that you intend to occupy as your principal residence.
Repaying your RRSP – You have up to 15 years to repay the amount you borrowed from your RRSP. You must start to make repayments in the second year after the year in which you made your withdrawal(s). In general, you have to repay 1/15 of the total amount you withdrew each year. After 15 years, any amount you have not paid back to your RRSP will be taxed. You will owe this tax when you file your income tax return in the following year.
CLICK HERE to learn more about the Home Buyer’s Plan
Land Transfer Tax Refund (LTTR):
If you are a first time home buyer, you may receive a refund from the Ontario government of up to $4,000 of the land transfer tax you paid on your first home. Other provinces have similar programs. Here’s how it works:
- You must be at least 18 years old.
- You cannot have previously owned a home, or an interest in a home, anywhere in the world.
- Your spouse cannot have owned a home, or an interest in a home anywhere while they were your spouse.
- You may receive the refund at the time you register your home purchase. If not, you must apply for it no later
than 18 months after the registration date.
CLICK HERE to learn more about the Land Transfer Tax Refund.
First Time Home Buyers’ Tax Credit (HBTC):
You or your spouse can claim this tax credit on your annual income tax return. The credit is based on an amount of $5,000. To calculate, multiply the lowest personal income tax rate for the year (15% in 2011 and 2012) by $5,000. For these years, the maximum credit is $750. Here’s how it works:
- You or your spouse must have acquired a qualifying home acquired after January 27, 2009.
- You cannot have lived in another home owned by you or your spouse in the year you buy your first home – or in
any of the 4 preceding years.
CLICK HERE to learn more about the First-Time Home Buyers’ Tax Credit.
It is important to note that these first time home buyer incentives may change from time to time, and it is advised that the reader consult with a certified Accountant and Lawyer for full details, and to determine whether you qualify for these programs.
CLICK HERE for more valuable information dedicated to Buyers.