What is the “welcome tax”?
Buying a house can be stressful. Not to mention that you also have to think about the welcome tax and other transaction-related taxes. Here is a small guide to the taxes that must be paid when you buy and own a house.
Welcome tax
The mere mention of this name is enough to make you cringe. Officially known as the “property transfer tax”, the welcome tax is payable as soon as you buy a new property.
How do you calculate this tax? The amount of transfer tax varies depending on the value of the property. And if you live in Montreal, the applicable rates are different.
The basis of imposition, usually the purchase price, is used to calculate the tax. However, the property’s market value is used as the basis of imposition when it is greater than the purchase price.
Except for Montreal, real estate transfer taxes are calculated throughout the province as follows:
- The applicable rate is 0.5% for the first $50,000.
- Between $50,000 and $250,000, the rate increases to 1.0%.
- The rate then increases to 1.5% for the portion exceeding $250,000.
However, two additional price brackets are added for Montreal properties:
- For the portion between $500,000 and $1,000,000, the rate is 2%.
- The rate increases to 2.5% for the portion over $1,000,000.
Is it possible to avoid paying the welcome tax?
Generally, no. However, there are some exceptions:
- Ownership can be transferred from one spouse to another. In the case of divorce, it is important that the transfer takes place before the divorce is finalized.
- Ownership can be transferred from one generation to the next within a family, such as between a mother and daughter or a grandfather and grandson. The transfer can also be exempt from transfer taxes if it takes place in the other direction as well.
- If the property’s value is less than $5,000.
It is always advisable to discuss your situation with a notary to ensure that everything is in compliance.
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