You can qualify for the Healthy Homes Renovation Tax Credit if you live in Ontario as a senior 65 years or older and wish to make your home safer and more accessible.
The Healthy Homes Renovation Tax Credit is refundable personal income tax credit for seniors over 65 years old and their family members who live with them. By qualifying for this tax credit with eligible home improvements you can claim up to a maximum of $10,000 on your tax return. The amount of money you receive back on your tax credit is calculated by 15 percent of the eligible expenses you claim.
How to qualify:
-You must be 65 years old or older by the end of the year for which you are claiming the credit.
-You must be living with a family member who is a enior of 65 years or older. You could qualify for a total tax credit of up to $1,500 every year, regardless of income.
-Seniors and their family members at all income levels are eligible.
Receiving the Credit:
To receive the credit you must claim the total expenses on your personal income tax return by completing Schedule ON(S12) of your tax return and putting the amount spent on eligible renovations next to box 6311 on form ON479.
For the 2012 tax year: you can claim expenses billed between October 1, 2011 and December 31, 2012.
For tax years 2013 and after: each year, you can claim expenses related to work billed for in that year.
Save all of your receipts for any modifications you make. They will not need to be submitted with your tax return, but will have to kept in case the Canada Revenue Agency asks you to verify your expenses.
Examples of work that qualifies:
- Non-slip flooring in the bathroom
- Installing a hand-held shower
- Door locks that are easy to operate
- certain renovations to permit a first-floor occupancy or secondary suite for a senior
- grab bars and related reinforcements around the toilet, tub and shower
- handrails in corridors
- wheelchair ramps, stair/wheelchair lifts and elevators
- walk-in bathtubs
- wheel-in showers
- widening passage doors
- lowering existing counters/cupboards
- installing adjustable counters/cupboards
- light switches and electrical outlets placed in accessible locations
- door locks that are easy to operate
- lever handles on doors and taps, instead of knobs
- pull-out shelves under counter to enable work from a seated position
- non-slip flooring in the bathroom
- a hand-held shower on an adjustable rod or high-low mounting brackets
- additional light fixtures throughout the home and exterior entrances
- swing clear hinges on doors to widen doorways
- creation of knee space under the basin to enable use from a seated position (and insulation of any hot-water pipes)
- relocation of tap to front or side for easier access
- hands-free taps
- motion-activated lighting
- touch-and-release drawers and cupboards
- automatic garage door openers
Examples of ineligible work that does not qualify:
- Plumbing or electrical work
- Repairs to a roof
- Installing new windows
- general maintenance – such as plumbing or electrical repairs
- repairs to a roof
- aesthetic enhancements such as landscaping or redecorating
- installing new windows or regular flooring
- installing heating or air conditioning systems
- replacing insulation
Devices are ineligible. These include:
- equipment for home medical monitoring
- equipment for home security (anti-burglary)
- wheelchairs
- walkers
- vehicles adapted for people with mobility limitations
- side swing ovens and appliances with front located controls
- fire extinguishers, smoke alarms, carbon monoxide detectors
Services are ineligible. These include:
- security or medical monitoring services
- home care services
- housekeeping services
- outdoor maintenance and gardening services
So, if you are considering doing a home renovation to improve safety and accessibility and are a senior 65 years or older, or live with a family member who is check out this great credit option!
For more information check out this website:
http://www.ontario.ca/taxes-and-benefits/healthy-homes-renovation-tax-credit
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