A tax on property transfers in Ontario
The Ontario Land Transfer Tax is payable on every conveyance of land tendered for registration and every unregistered disposition of a beneficial interest in land, unless specifically exempt under the Act or regulations.
The definition of land as defined in subsection 1(1) of the Act is broad and includes lands, buildings, structures, structures to be constructed, fixtures and any interest in these.
Land transfer tax is calculated on the value of the consideration as defined in subsection 1(1) of the Act. It includes the purchase price, liabilities assumed, benefits conferred, soft costs and the cost of upgrades. In some instances, the value of the consideration is deemed to be the fair market value of the land. For example, leases with terms that can exceed fifty years and certain transfers between corporations and shareholders.
For the definitions of value of the consideration and land, please see Definitions or the Act.
Ontario residents
Effective January 1, 2017, the tax rates for the Ontario Land Transfer Tax will depend on the date of the agreement of purchase and sale.
If an agreement of purchase and sale is entered into after November 14, 2016, and registration or the disposition occurs on or after January 1, 2017, the tax rates on the value of the consideration are as follows:
- amounts up to and including $55,000: 0.5%
- amounts exceeding $55,000, up to and including $250,000: 1.0%
- amounts exceeding $250,000, up to and including $400,000: 1.5%
- amounts exceeding $400,000: 2.0%
- amounts exceeding $2,000,000, where the land contains one or two single family residences: 2.5%.
Non-Resident Speculation Tax
Effective April 21, 2017, a 15% Non-Resident Speculation Tax is imposed on the purchase or acquisition of an interest in residential property located in the Greater Golden Horseshoe by individuals who are not citizens or permanent residents of Canada or by foreign corporations (foreign entities) or taxable trustees. This new tax is in addition to Ontario’s current Land Transfer Tax.
The Non-Resident Speculation Tax (NRST) is a 15 per cent tax on the purchase or acquisition of an interest in residential property located in the Greater Golden Horseshoe Region by individuals who are not citizens or permanent residents of Canada or by foreign corporations (foreign entities) and taxable trustees.
Municipal Transfer Taxes
If you buy property in the City of Toronto, you may also pay the City of Toronto’s own municipal land transfer tax.
Questions? Contact us for more information.
Overview
