The finish line to close your house purchase is in sight, but there are still a few things you’ll need to pay for before the keys are in your possession. You’ve saved for a down payment, had your offer approved, and even reserved the moving truck.
Closing costs are frequently forgotten by homebuyers, which can lead to a harsh financial shock. These expenses cover a wide range of things, including attorney fees, HST on newly constructed residences (in appropriate provinces), and even unforeseen relocation or maintenance expenses. It also entails paying land transfer tax for homeowners in several markets.
One of the closing charges that must be paid when purchasing property in Canada is a land transfer tax, which is also known as a property transfer tax or even a welcome tax. It’s crucial to consider how you’ll pay the Canada land transfer tax while establishing a reasonable budget for your future residence.
Read More: Municipal Land Transfer Tax(Toronto Land Transfer Tax )
Canada Land Transfer Tax
Depending on where you live, the province or the municipality receives the money from the land transfer tax. Although it may go by a different name, land transfer taxes exist in every province. For instance, Quebec has a “welcome tax,” but Saskatchewan and Alberta impose “property registration fees.”
In Canada, there are regional differences in the land transfer taxes. Municipalities will vary in how much they charge for transfer fees. However, if you are a first-time home buyer, you might be qualified to receive a partial (or full) refund of the tax payment.
Because LTT cannot be financed as part of the mortgage, it is crucial for buyers in the most affected markets to account for this expense when creating their initial home budget. Getting in touch with a mortgage expert or financial counselor to figure out how much money to set away for LTT is a fantastic idea.
How is Land Transfer Tax calculated in Canada?
Normally, a land transfer tax is calculated by adding the purchase price of the property to the balance of any mortgages or other debts that were taken on during the transaction.
What is an example of a Land Transfer Tax in Canada?
A land transfer tax, commonly referred to as a property transfer tax, is levied by the provinces of Ontario, Quebec, British Columbia, Manitoba, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, and Prince Edward Island.
Although legally speaking, the other provinces and territories do not impose a land transfer tax, they do impose registration fees that are determined by the value of the property being transferred. These costs are more reasonable than standard land transfer tax rates.
Depending on where you buy property in Canada, there are different land transfer taxes. For instance, municipalities in Nova Scotia control their own tax rates. In addition to the provincial property transfer tax in the Canadian province of Ontario, the City of Toronto also levies a land transfer tax.
Who pays Land Transfer Tax?
In Canada, the buyer, not the seller, is responsible for paying the land transfer tax, regardless of the province or municipality. As soon as the buyer gets possession of the property, land transfer taxes become due. The land transfer tax is not a recurring expense like property taxes; you only need to pay it once.
Land Transfer Tax refunds for First-time Homebuyers
First-time homebuyers can be qualified for a full or partial tax refund. Young homebuyers can receive a discount from the provincial governments of Ontario, British Columbia, and Prince Edward Island if they meet specific requirements.
To be eligible for a land transfer tax refund:
- You must be at least 18 years of age
- You have not owned a home or an interest in a home anywhere in the world
- Your spouse has never owned or had an interest in a home anyplace in the world while you were married to him or her.
To find out if you qualify for the return and how to apply, speak with your realtor or mortgage counselor.
How to Avoid Land Transfer Taxes in Canada
In most circumstances, buying real estate in Canada entails paying a land transfer tax of some kind.
However, as previously indicated, depending on the province, municipality, and price of the home, qualified first-time home buyers may be entitled to a partial or even complete refund of the tax.
Although each province has its own regulations and requirements for qualifying, there are other circumstances in which land transfer tax can be avoided. These consist of:
- Purchasing a newly built home.
- Transferring the property to a lineal descendent (i.e. parent to child).
- Transferring a property between spouses.
- Transferring a property from a person to a family business.
- Transferring a farming property between family members.
Again, each province and municipality has its own laws regarding exemptions, so ask your local government for specific information and think about consulting an expert, such an accountant or tax specialist.