Land transfer tax (LTT) is a charge levied by each Canadian province when you acquire a property. It is based on the amount paid for the land and includes any amount remaining on the mortgage or debt assumed as part of the purchase agreement. This tax is determined using a specific equation and a land transfer tax calculator.
Many people wonder if land transfer tax can be claimed. If you’ve moved for work and your employer has not reimbursed you, you can claim the LTT. Also, there exists a rebate in the provinces of Ontario, British Columbia and Prince Edward Island that allows you to recoup the cost of the land transfer tax entirely.
Land Transfer Tax Rebate
In Ontario, first-time home buyers can qualify for a rebate that is equal to the full amount of the land transfer tax paid, up to a maximum of $4,000. As of January 1st, 2017, this tax rebate is restricted to Canadian citizens and permanent residents of the country. Furthermore, you must apply for the land transfer tax rebate within 18 months of the date of registration of the transfer or the date of the unregistered disposition.
Qualifying for the Ontario Rebate
There are certain criteria you must meet in order to qualify for the Ontario land transfer tax rebate. You must be 18 or older and live in the purchased home within nine months of buying it. Furthermore, you cannot have previously owned a home. If your spouse has already owned a home during the time that they have been your spouse, you will not qualify. The rebate covers the full amount of the LTT up to the maximum home purchase price of $368,250. If your home costs more than that price, you can still qualify for the maximum rebate but have to pay the remainder of the tax.
Qualifying for the Toronto Rebate
The city of Toronto has its own land transfer tax that comes with a separate rebate. The criteria that must be met are similar to that of the Ontario LTT rebate. You must be 18 or older, live in the home within nine months of purchase, and cannot have owned a home before, with the same going for your spouse (during the time that they’ve been your spouse). The maximum amount you can receive as your rebate is $3,725. You are eligible for both the Ontario and the Toronto rebates if you’ve bought property in the city. Additionally, if you are purchasing a home with your spouse, and only one of you is eligible for the rebate, you can still get 50% of the rebate amount. This goes for both the Toronto and Ontario LTT rebate.
Using the Land Transfer Tax Calculator
To determine what your land transfer tax is you will need to use the land transfer tax calculator. You’ll need the purchase price of your home and this land transfer tax calculator.
