The Government of Ontario offers several incentives for first-time homebuyers to help them achieve their dream of homeownership. Here are some of the key incentives available:
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First-Time Home Buyer Tax Credit: This is a non-refundable tax credit that provides up to $750 in tax relief for first-time homebuyers. It can be claimed on your personal income tax return in the year of purchase.
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Land Transfer Tax Refund: First-time homebuyers in Ontario are eligible for a refund of up to $4,000 of the land transfer tax paid on the purchase of a home. The maximum refund is available for homes purchased for $368,333 or less, and the refund decreases as the purchase price increases.
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Home Buyers' Plan (HBP): The HBP allows first-time homebuyers to withdraw up to $35,000 from their Registered Retirement Savings Plan (RRSP) to put towards the purchase of a home. The funds must be repaid within 15 years, and there are no tax penalties for the withdrawal.
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Ontario First-Time Homebuyer Incentive: This program provides a shared equity loan of up to 10% of the purchase price of a home for first-time homebuyers. The loan is interest-free for the first five years and must be repaid when the home is sold or after 25 years, whichever comes first.
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Municipal Programs: Some municipalities in Ontario offer their own incentives for first-time homebuyers, such as down payment assistance programs, rebates on development charges, or tax rebates.
It's important to note that eligibility requirements and program details may change over time, so it's a good idea to check with the relevant government agencies or a qualified professional for the most up-to-date information. Additionally, these incentives may not cover all the costs associated with buying a home, so it's important to budget for additional expenses such as closing costs, home inspections, and moving costs.