Tax deduction for qualified home buyers - Home Buyer’s amount

Image via WikipediaAre you a first time home buyer? You may be able to get a non refundable tax credit for 5K for your home purchase.

If you meet the following qualifications, you can claim the 5K tax credit in your tax return.

• you or your spouse or common-law partner bought a qualifying home; and
• you did not live in another home owned by you or your spouse or common-law partner in the year of acquisition or in any of the four preceding years (first-time home buyer).

The amount can be claimed in Schedule 1 (line 369) of your tax return. The amount can be shared but the total amount cannot exceed $5K.

Here is the definition of Qualifying home from CRA website

A qualifying home must be registered in your and/or your spouse's or common-law partner's name in accordance with the applicable land registration system, and must be located in Canada. It includes existing homes and homes under construction.

The following are considered qualifying homes:

• single-family houses;
• semi-detached houses;
• townhouses;
• mobile homes;
• condominium units; and
• apartments in duplexes, triplexes, fourplexes, or apartment