Canada’s Economic Action Plan Offers Home Renovation Tax Credit

Renovating can be a great way to add value to your home. It can make your house a more comfortable environment for you and your family, and even reduce your energy bills. And now, with the introduction of the new Home Renovation Tax Credit (HRTC), this might be the best time to begin the renovations you’ve been planning.

As part of Canada’s Economic Action Plan, the Home Renovation Tax Credit will provide a one-year, temporary 15% income tax credit on eligible home renovation expenditures for work performed, or goods acquired after January 27, 2009 and before February 1, 2010. The credit may be claimed on eligible expenses exceeding $1,000, but no more than $10,000, for a total credit of up to $1,350.

Eligible renovation expenditures include: renovating your kitchen, bathroom or basement; installing new carpet or hardwood floors; building an addition, deck, fence or retaining wall; installing a new furnace, central air conditioner or water heater; painting the interior or exterior of your house; resurfacing a driveway and laying new sod.

Renovations which are not eligible for the credit include: purchase of furniture, appliances and tools, carpet cleaning, and maintenance contracts.

To obtain more information on the Home Renovation Tax Credit, call 1-800-O-Canada or visit the Canada Revenue Agency Web site.

Advance planning is the key to every successful renovation project. Browse through our wealth of renovation information aimed to help you plan, assess, and avoid costly renovation surprises.