Knowledge centre

AskRajiv.ca

September 7, 2026

Can a missed Toronto Vacant Home Tax declaration become the buyer’s problem?

Yes. Toronto says an undeclared property can be deemed vacant, the tax forms a lien on the property and a purchaser can become responsible. Buyers and sellers should address the declaration and tax status before closing.

September 7, 2026

What is changing for the Home Accessibility Tax Credit in 2026?

The HATC currently allows up to $20,000 of eligible annual expenses for a qualifying individual or dwelling. Budget 2025 proposed that, for 2026 onward, the same expense could no longer be claimed under both HATC and the Medical Expense Tax Credit.

September 7, 2026

Does the Multigenerational Home Renovation Tax Credit pay $50,000?

No. Up to $50,000 is the qualifying-expenditure ceiling for an eligible renovation—not the cheque amount. The refundable credit is a percentage of eligible costs and the rate can depend on the tax year.

September 7, 2026

Can short-term renting create GST/HST obligations beyond income tax?

Yes. Taxable short-term accommodation can create GST/HST registration, collection and input-tax-credit issues, and a change in commercial use can affect the later sale of the property.

September 7, 2026

Is mortgage interest deductible after I refinance my home to invest?

Deductibility generally follows the current use of the borrowed money—not simply the property used as collateral. Clear tracing, a legal obligation to pay interest and an eligible income-earning purpose are central.

September 7, 2026

Can claiming CCA on a rental property create a larger tax problem later?

Yes. CCA may reduce current rental income, but a later sale can produce recapture, and prior CCA can prevent certain principal-residence change-of-use elections.

September 7, 2026

Does renting a basement automatically jeopardize the principal-residence exemption?

Not automatically. CRA examines whether the income-producing use is ancillary, whether there was a structural change and whether CCA was claimed. A more substantial partial conversion can create change-of-use consequences.

September 7, 2026

Can a section 45(3) election defer tax when a rental becomes my home?

Potentially. A subsection 45(3) election may defer the deemed disposition when an income-producing property becomes a principal residence, but prior CCA claims can make the election unavailable.

September 7, 2026

Can a section 45(2) election defer tax when my home becomes a rental?

Potentially. A subsection 45(2) election can defer the deemed disposition that normally occurs when a principal residence becomes an income-producing property, but conditions and future consequences matter.

September 7, 2026

Do I still report the sale if my principal-residence gain is fully exempt?

Yes. A principal-residence sale must generally be reported and the property designated on Schedule 3 and Form T2091(IND), even when the exemption is expected to eliminate the gain.