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Ontario's Healthy Homes Renovations Tax Credit

By Julie El-Chaer 

If you’re an Ontario homeowner over the age of 65, or you live with a senior, you’re eligible for the Healthy Homes Renovation Tax Credit. (Editor's note: this article may not be up to date.) 

What is the Healthy Homes Renovation Tax Credit (HHRTC)?

The HHRTC is a refundable income tax credit available for seniors and family members who live with them. The Healthy Homes Renovation will help with the costs in renovating your house to make it more safe and accessible. 

How do I know if I qualify?

If you’re a homeowner in Ontario and you’re 65 and over by the end of the year you’re claiming the credit, you’re eligible to qualify. You are also able to qualify if you are living with a family member who is a senior. Seniors and family members of all incomes are eligible.

How much can I claim and how much can I get back?

If entitled, you can claim up to $10,000 of house repairs a year. The amount of money you could receive from your claims on expenses would be 15%. For example, if you were to spend and claim $10,000 of permitted expenses, you could get up to $1,500 back. Be sure to save your receipts. Although you won’t need to submit them with your tax return, you will need to have them incase the Canada Revenue Agency asks you to verify the expenses.

What renovations are eligible for the tax credit?

Not all home renovations will be eligible for the tax credit. You can find a list of renovations that can be claimed here. You can also find a list of renovations that cannot be claimed here. We recommended that you check to see what type of work can be claimed before you begin renovations! For examples on possible changes to make to your home, you can view an interactive map on the Ontario website.

You can head over to the Ontario website for more information on the Healthy Homes Renovation Tax Credit.

You can also call:

• 1-866-ONT-TAXS (668-8297)
• 1-800-263-7776 for teletypewriter