Making our homes accessible is incredibly important in maintaining our independence, health and well-being. Unfortunately, there are still costs associated with transforming our homes into safe spaces. We’ve compiled a list below of available tax credits to ease some of the expenses.
Home Accessibility Tax Credit (HATC)
This is a federal tax credit for those renovating their home for safety and accessibility. The Home Accessibility Tax Credit (HATC) is for eligible individuals with disabilities (qualified for the disability tax credit) and people who are 65 years of age or older at the end of the year. The HATC applies to total qualifying expenses up to $10,000 per year, resulting in a maximum tax credit of $1,500 ($10,000 x 15%). You claim the HATC when filing your annual tax return, so make sure you hang on to all of your receipts!
A qualifying renovation is an alteration of an enduring nature and is integral to the eligible dwelling (including the land that forms part of the eligible dwelling). Examples that should qualify include:
Grab bars and safety rails
Replacing a bathtub with a roll-in shower, accessible shower or tub cuts
Step-in or walk-in bathtub
Wheelchair lifts
Non-slip flooring or anti-slip treatments
Switching to lever-style handles or faucets
Widening your doorways
Labour costs from professionals
Permits for construction, and building plans
Building materials and fixtures
Outdoor or indoor ramps
Lowering kitchen or bathroom cabinets so the person can use them
Equipment rentals and more
Read more about the HATC from the Government of Canada here, and for further information on eligibility, qualifying renovations and filing.
Medical Expense Tax Credit (METC)
You may have an eligible renovation that also qualifies as a medical expense. If so, you can claim both the federal Medical Expense Tax Credit (METC) and the home accessibility tax credit (HATC). While these costs to renovate a home to accommodate the use of a wheelchair may qualify as medical expenses, types of expenses related to other impairments may also qualify. In all cases, keep receipts and any related documents to support your claim. Read more at the Government of Canada, here.
The Seniors’ Home Safety Tax Credit (Ontario): 2021 & 2022 Tax Years
The Seniors’ Home Safety Tax Credit will help you make your house safer and accessible, helping you stay in your home longer. This credit is eligible for:
Seniors who are 65 by the end of 2021
People who live with senior relatives
The Seniors’ Home Safety Tax Credit is worth 25% of up to $10,000 in eligible expenses for a senior’s principal residence in Ontario. The maximum credit is $2,500. You can claim the credit on your 2021 Income Tax and Benefit Return.
If you are 65 years or older, you may be able to claim the (1) HATC, (2) METC, and the (3) Seniors’ Home Safety Tax Credit for the same renovation or accessibility modifications! We encourage you to reach out to your financial planner or accountant to discuss.
The Disability Tax Credit (DTC)
The disability tax credit (DTC) is a non-refundable tax credit that helps persons with disabilities or their supporting persons reduce the amount of income tax they may have to pay. An individual may claim the disability amount once they are eligible for the DTC. This amount includes a supplement for persons under 18 years of age at the end of the year.
The purpose of the DTC is to provide for greater tax equity by allowing some relief for disability costs since these are unavoidable additional expenses that other taxpayers don’t have to face.
If you are eligible for the DTC, you may be able to claim both the (1) HATC and (2) METC for the same renovation or accessibility modifications! We encourage you to reach out to your financial planner or accountant to discuss.
Ontario Assistive Device Program
While this isn't applicable to renovations, it's important to be aware of the Assistive Devices Program, which provides consumer centered support and funding to Ontario residents who have long-term physical disabilities.
Devices covered by the program are intended to enable people with physical disabilities to increase their independence through access to assistive devices responsive to their individual needs. Initial access is often through a medical specialist or general practitioner who provides a diagnosis. In most device categories, an authorizer assesses the specific needs of the person and prescribes appropriate equipment or supplies.
Easter Seals
Easter Seals Ontario provides programs and services to children and youth with physical disabilities across Ontario to help them achieve greater independence, accessibility and integration.
March of Dimes
Funded by the government of Ontario, the Home and Vehicle Modification® Program helps people living in Ontario pay for crucial renovations and retrofits. This includes anything from widening doorways for a wheelchair to modifying a van so someone who uses an assistive device can drive it. The goal is to keep people at home and in their communities. Find out more about the application process, and whether you’re eligible here.
March of Dimes Canada Assistive Devices Program assists adults with physical disabilities who are in financial need to purchase assistive devices that increase their mobility and functional independence.
Other potential savings or rebates (for accessible or non-accessible renovations):
GST/HST New Housing Rebate
The GST/HST new housing rebate allows an individual to recover some of the GST or the federal part of the HST paid for a new or substantially renovated house that is for use as the individual's, or their relation's, primary place of residence when all of the other conditions are met.
Substantial Renovations and the GST/HST New Housing Rebate
The new housing rebate applies to the purchase, construction or substantial renovation of a residential complex. Even though the rebate is called the “new” housing rebate, individuals who substantially renovate their existing homes may be eligible to claim it (in addition to individuals who construct new homes or purchase them from builders).
Home Efficiency Rebate
The Enbridge Home Efficiency Rebate can help lower your energy costs and make it more comfortable year-round. Get up to $5,000 in rebates for insulation, air sealing, new windows/doors, water heaters, boilers, furnaces and home energy assessments. is ending Apr. 30, 2023 and is only available to Enbridge Gas customers who completed a pre-retrofit home energy assessment before Dec. 31, 2022.
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Are we missing anything? Please let us know and we'll add it to our list!
If you have any questions or want to move forward with an accessible renovation or small safety modifications, give us a call.
613-402-5613
www.BuildAble.ca