| Federal Home Renovation Tax Credit (HRTC) Only | | | | remember that you are responsible for ensuring that all |
| available for the 2009 tax year. The Home Renovation | | | | eligibility requirements are met when you claim this |
| Tax Credit is a non-refundable tax credit based on | | | | credit on your tax return. Examples of eligible |
| eligible expenses for improvements to your house, | | | | expenses * Renovating a kitchen, bathroom, or |
| condo or cottage. It can be claimed on your 2009 | | | | basement, windows and doors * New carpet or |
| income tax return. It applies to eligible purchases made | | | | hardwood floors * New furnace, boiler, woodstove, |
| after January 27, 2009, and before February 1, 2010. | | | | fireplace, water softener, water heater, or oil tank * |
| The HRTC applies to eligible expenses of more than | | | | Permanent Home ventilation systems, central air |
| $1,000, but not more than $10,000, resulting in a | | | | conditioner * Septic systems and wells * Electrical |
| maximum non-refundable tax credit of $1,350 [($10,000 | | | | wiring in the home, home Security System |
| - $1,000) × 15%]. Who is eligible for the HRTC? | | | | (monthly fees do not qualify) * Solar panels |
| Eligibility for the HRTC is family based. The claim can | | | | and solar panel trackers * Painting the interior or |
| be split among family members but the total amount | | | | exterior of a house * Building an addition, garage, deck, |
| claimed cannot exceed the maximum allowable. Iwo or | | | | garden/storage shed, or fence * Re-shingling a roof * |
| more families share the ownership of an eligible | | | | A new driveway or resurfacing a driveway * Exterior |
| dwelling, each family can claim its own credit (i.e., each | | | | shutters and awnings * Permanent swimming pools, |
| up to $1,350) that is calculated on its respective eligible | | | | hot tub and installation costs (in ground and above |
| expenses. All expenses must be supported by | | | | ground) * Landscaping * Associated costs such as |
| receipts and acceptable documentation. Keep them in | | | | installation, permits, professional services,equipment |
| case we ask to see them. Eligible and ineligible | | | | rentals, and incidental expenses * Fixtures - blinds, |
| expenses Considering the extensive number of eligible | | | | shades, shutters, lights, ceiling fans, etc. Note Window |
| and ineligible expenses, it is no possible to provide a | | | | coverings, such as blinds, shutters and shades, that are |
| complete list. The reader is responsible to check the | | | | directly attached to the window frame and whose |
| nformation and make sure he meets all required | | | | removal would alter the nature of the dwelling are |
| conditions upon asking the tax credit on his income tax | | | | generally considered to be fixtures and therefore |
| report. Consult the Internet Site at for the complete | | | | would qualify for the HRTC. In some circumstances, |
| lists. The expenses are eligible when they are incurred | | | | draperies and curtains may qualify for the HRTC, if |
| in relation to renovations or alterations to an eligible | | | | they would not keep their value or usefulness if |
| dwelling (or the land that forms part of the eligible | | | | installed in another dwelling. If these qualifying criteria |
| dwelling) and are permanent in nature. As a general | | | | are not met, it is likely that draperies and curtains would |
| rule, if the item you purchase will not become a | | | | not qualify for the HRTC. Examples of ineligible |
| permanent part of your home or property, it is not | | | | expenses * Furniture, appliances, and audio and visual |
| eligible. Some businesses or individuals may assert that | | | | electronics * Purchasing of tools * Carpet cleaning * |
| certain items qualify for the HRTC. It is important to | | | | House cleaning * Maintenance contracts (e.g. |