on how it will transition to the implementation of the proposed
Harmonized Sales Tax.
How the HST will work: The Ontario provincial government has passed legislation to combine
the
8% PST (Provincial Sales Tax) with
the 5% FST (federal Goods and Services Tax), creating a new
13% HST - Harmonized Sales Tax
The HST is in effect since July 1, 2010:
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HST will NOT apply on the purchase price of resale homes.
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HST would apply to services such as legal fees, home inspection fees, appraisal fees, moving cost, and labor for renovations, landscaping and REALTOR® commissions when applicable.
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It is estimated the average home buyer for resale homes will likely see a $1200 - $1500 additional cost in HST fees when moving.
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HST will apply to the purchase price of newly constructed homes. However, the Province is proposing a rebate so that new homes across all price ranges would receive a 75 per cent rebate of the provincial portion of the single sales tax on the first $400,000.
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For new homes under $400,000, this would mean, on average, no additional tax amount compared to the current system. For those considering buying for a new home for over $500,000 there will be a considerable impact with the hst.
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Generally, sales of new homes under written agreements of purchase and sale entered into on or before June 18, 2009 would not be subject to the provincial portion of the single sales tax, even if both ownership and possession are transferred on or after July 1, 2010.
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The tax would also not apply to sales of new homes under written agreements of purchase and sale entered into after June 18, 2009 where ownership or possession is transferred before July 1, 2010.
Is there HST on residential rentals:
If you are currently renting a house, condo or townhouse on a long term
bases (or month to month) you are currently not paying GST, therefore,
HST will not apply. However, expect that the Landlord
will have increased costs for the goods and services he uses, such as
labour for repairs, landscaping etc. With increased costs to
the owner, increases in rental rates in the future might be
expected.
Information on 2010 Rent Increase
guidelines and if a Landlord can increase your rent.
Is there HST on Condominium Maintenance Fees:
Currently there is no GST charged by Condominium Associations. But
as the HST takes effect, many services associated with the common
maintenance of the building will be subject to HST. It makes common
sense to expect some adjustments in the future monthly
fees.
Is there HST on Commercial Rents:
GST and Commercial GST applies to most of the rentals of commercial real
estate properties with limited exceptions. Therefore expect HST to
apply.
With regard to the
lease or license of goods, including non-residential real
property, HST will generally apply to lease intervals or payment periods on
or after July 1, 2010 and the general rules noted above will apply.
However, where a lease interval begins before July 2010 and ends
before July 31, 2010, it is not subject to HST.
With regard to the
sale of non-residential property,
HST is due where both possession and ownership of non-residential
property occurs on or after July 1, 2010.
HST Calculator for Ontario Personal Tax Relief
HST Calculator for other possible house hold items.
Transitional Rules for New Housing
More Details Additional detail on the transition rules is available at the provincial government web site
here or by calling the provincial government enquiry line at
1-800-337-7222.
More Details Additional detail on the transition rules is available at the provincial government web site
here or by calling the provincial government enquiry line at
1-800-337-7222.
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