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Calculate Hst Rebate on New Houses in Ontario

Reviewed by Calculator Editorial Team

When buying a new home in Ontario, you may qualify for an HST rebate. This calculator helps you determine your potential rebate amount based on your home's purchase price and the applicable rebate rate. Learn how the rebate works, how to calculate it, and what to do with the result.

How the HST Rebate Works

The Ontario government offers an HST rebate to first-time home buyers who purchase a new home. The rebate is designed to help offset the cost of the Harmonized Sales Tax (HST) that would otherwise be payable on the purchase price of the home.

The rebate is calculated as a percentage of the home's purchase price. The current rebate rate is 10% of the first $500,000 of the home's purchase price, with a maximum rebate of $5,000.

The HST rebate is available to first-time home buyers only. A first-time home buyer is defined as someone who has not owned a principal residence in the four years prior to the purchase of the new home.

Eligibility Requirements

To qualify for the HST rebate, you must meet the following criteria:

  • You must be a first-time home buyer
  • The home must be newly constructed and must be your principal residence
  • You must be purchasing the home through a qualified real estate agent
  • The home must be located in Ontario

How to Claim the Rebate

Once you have purchased your new home, you can claim the HST rebate by filing a tax return. The rebate will be credited against your provincial tax liability. If you have no provincial tax liability, the rebate will be refunded to you.

You will need to provide documentation to support your claim, including:

  • Proof of purchase of the new home
  • Proof that you are a first-time home buyer
  • Proof that the home is your principal residence

Calculation Method

The HST rebate is calculated using the following formula:

HST Rebate = Purchase Price × Rebate Rate (Maximum rebate of $5,000)

Where:

  • Purchase Price - The total purchase price of the new home
  • Rebate Rate - The current rebate rate, which is 10% of the first $500,000 of the purchase price

The rebate is capped at $5,000, so even if your home's purchase price exceeds $500,000, you will not receive more than $5,000 in rebate.

The rebate rate and maximum rebate amount are subject to change. Always check the latest information from the Ontario government before calculating your rebate.

Worked Example

Let's look at an example to see how the HST rebate calculation works. Suppose you are purchasing a new home in Ontario for $450,000.

HST Rebate = $450,000 × 10% HST Rebate = $45,000

In this case, your HST rebate would be $45,000. However, since the maximum rebate is $5,000, you would only receive $5,000.

Here's another example. Suppose you are purchasing a new home for $600,000.

HST Rebate = $600,000 × 10% HST Rebate = $60,000

In this case, your HST rebate would be $60,000. However, since the maximum rebate is $5,000, you would only receive $5,000.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is eligible for the HST rebate?

The HST rebate is available to first-time home buyers who purchase a new home in Ontario. A first-time home buyer is defined as someone who has not owned a principal residence in the four years prior to the purchase of the new home.

How do I claim the HST rebate?

You can claim the HST rebate by filing a tax return. The rebate will be credited against your provincial tax liability. If you have no provincial tax liability, the rebate will be refunded to you. You will need to provide documentation to support your claim, including proof of purchase of the new home, proof that you are a first-time home buyer, and proof that the home is your principal residence.

What is the maximum HST rebate I can receive?

The maximum HST rebate you can receive is $5,000. This is the amount you will receive regardless of the purchase price of your new home, as long as it is within the first $500,000.

Can I receive the HST rebate if I purchase a used home?

No, the HST rebate is only available for the purchase of new homes. If you purchase a used home, you will not be eligible for the rebate.

What if I don't have a provincial tax liability?

If you don't have a provincial tax liability, the HST rebate will be refunded to you. You will receive the rebate amount as a tax refund.