Get up to $1,350 tax credit
for Ontario home improvements

Renovation Tax Credit — Ontario

Ontario homeowners can get up to $1,350 in tax credits from the Canadian government for home renovations made between January 27, 2009 and February 1, 2010.

In February, 2009, the Canadian government included the Home Renovation Tax Credit (HRTC) as part of its Economic Action Plan.

The HRTC allows Ontario families to claim 15 per cent of home improvement expenses, between $1,000 and $10,000, on their 2009 income tax return. This gives Ontario families up to $1,350 in nonrefundable tax credits, which reduce the total amount of income tax they must pay.

2009 income tax return

The Canadian home renovation tax credit applies for 2009 income tax returns only. A line on the 2009 income tax return form will allow Ontario homeowners to enter the home improvement expenses they are claiming towards the credit. All home improvement expenses must be supported by valid receipts and documentation.

Home Renovation Tax Credit — how it works

Qualify for a Canadian government tax credit for home improvements in Ontario.

Home improvements — Ontario

The Home Renovation Tax Credit applies to Ontario home improvements that will become a permanent part of the home or its property. These Ontario home improvements include structural improvements such as home additions and interior renovations, and property improvements, such as garages, driveways and landscaping. All energy-saving renovations, including new furnaces, air conditioners and insulation, are eligible for the home renovation tax credit in Ontario.

Examples of eligible renovations

See complete list of eligible and ineligible expenses for Home Renovation Tax Credit.

Home Renovation Tax Credit — Ontario benefits

Under the Canadian Home Renovation Tax Credit, Ontario families can reduce their taxes and make lasting improvements to their homes. The tax credit can be used for renovations to any property used by the taxpayer as a permanent or temporary residence, including homes, cottages and mobile homes.

It may be claimed by an individual, or by either spouse or partner in a common-law partnership. If more than one family owns an eligible residence (for example, a shared vacation home), each family can claim up to $10,000 in eligible renovation expenses.

The Canadian government estimates more than 4.6 million families in Canada will benefit from the tax credit. It also says the HRTC will help Canada’s economy, because the HRTC encourages homeowners to purchase home renovation products and services provided by Canadians and Canadian companies.

Eligible renovation expenses:

Energy-saving renovations — Ontario

Energy-saving renovations can permanently reduce an Ontario home’s energy use, saving as much as 50 per cent or more on home energy costs each year. By making energy-saving renovations in 2009, Ontario homeowners will receive maximum benefits for their renovations.

All energy-saving upgrades, renovations and retrofits are permanent improvements to an Ontario home, and qualify as expenses under the Canada Home Renovation Tax Credit. Ontario homeowners can claim up to $10,000 in renovation expenses, including costs of energy-saving upgrades.

Energy-saving renovations eligible for HRTC

Grants and rebates — Ontario

But there’s more. Under the ecoENERGY Retrofit-Homes initiative, the Government of Canada is giving Ontario homeowners tax-free grants and rebates for making energy-saving renovations, such as installing new high-efficiency furnaces and central air conditioners, insulation, windows, hot water heaters and even low-flush toilets. The Ontario government offers more grants and rebates for energy-saving renovations. The amount of money Ontario homeowners receive through government grants and rebates does not reduce or otherwise affect the amount of money they can claim for the Home Renovation Tax Credit.

That means if an Ontario homeowner spends $10,000 on energy-saving renovations, they will be eligible for $1,350 in tax relief. Depending on the renovations and their eligibility, they could receive up to $10,000 in combined tax-free grants and rebates from Canadiab and Ontario governments. That’s a total savings of $11,350, which could help significantly offset the initial cost of the renovations in Ontario.

Grants for energy-saving renovations — Ontario

These renovations are just some of the eligible expenses under the HRTC guidelines, and are eligible for grants and rebates from the Canadian government’s ecoENERGY Retrofit-Homes initiative. The amounts shown in the box below reflect the federal grant amounts only. The Ontario government also offers additional rebates for energy-saving renovations.

Ongoing energy-saving — Ontario

Energy-saving renovations have lasting benefits for Ontario. They increase an Ontario home’s value with new, efficient equipment. They improve home comfort, by insulating against the outdoor temperature and providing efficient ways of heating and cooling the interior. They reduce the Ontario home’s energy use, which reduces annual energy costs. The result for Ontario is savings that continue well after the calendar year is through.

Home Renovation Tax Credit — how it works

Canada’s Home Renovation Tax Credit lets Ontario homeowners claim the cost of energy saving home improvements on their 2009 income tax return. This tax credit represents an extra savings for Ontario homeowners on their home improvement costs, and is offered by the Government of Canada in addition to Canada ecoENERGY grants.

Many energy-saving home improvements qualify you for Canada ecoENERGY grants.

Get started now

To qualify for ecoENERGY grants you must have an Ontario home energy assessment before you renovate.

More government grants

Ontario rebates

Ontario homeowners can choose from a shopping list of renovation grants from the Government of Ontario:

Ontario homeowners can also get ...

And there’s more.

Ontario homeowners can take advantage of Ontario government rebates for home energy renovations:

Easy to start — Ontario

All you do is make one call — 1-877-732-9888 — to book a home energy audit with an Ontario Energy Advisor – your first step to qualifying for Ontario government rebates for home energy renovations.

Ontario Home Energy — conditions

Some conditions apply.

Ontario rebates & incentives

Ontario Home Energy rebates

Ontario homeowners can get cash back for your first ecoENERGY assessment with a Home Energy Audit rebate from the Ontario government.

As an Ontario homeowner, you can qualify for tax-free rebates from the Government of Ontario.

Your advisor can help

By choosing a HomePerformance Energy Advisor to do your Ontario home energy audit, you’ll receive information on government home energy renovation grants and rebates, and other energy improvement incentives available in Ontario.

Enjoy all the benefits

Do it right

Each Ontario home has its own specific energy-savings needs, and yours is no different. The right renovations add up to big savings. By following the expert advice of a certified Ontario energy advisor, you’ll make the energy renovations or "retrofits" that are right for your Ontario home — and help improve your energy costs and the Ontario environment.

Three easy steps

Energy renovations help ...

And that’s not all. Here are more benefits ...

When you improve your home in Ontario, you make a difference to the rest of the world. You’ll help address important global issues like ...

And there’s even more. Click here to learn how Ontario homeowners like you are saving thousands of dollars and tonnes of greenhouse gases every year, by making the right energy-saving home renovations. Ontario homeowners can make a difference.

Get started today!

Learn more about Renovation Rebates in Ontario ...

To qualify you need an Ontario home energy audit before your renovations. For more information on tax-free government grants + Ontario Home Energy rebates - Click here

[ Back to Top ]