Land Transfer Tax
Purchasers in most large Canadian cities can add Land Transfer Taxes to their list of closing costs. Unless you live in Alberta, Saskatchewan, or rural Nova Scotia, land transfer taxes (or property purchase tax) are part of the deal. These taxes, levied on properties that are changing hands, are the responsibility of the purchaser. Depending on where you live, taxes can range from half of a percent to two percent of the total purchase price.
Many provinces have multi-tiered taxation systems that can be complicated. For example, if you purchase a property for $300,000 in Ontario, 0.5% is charged on the first $55,000, 1% is charged on $55,000 - $250,000, while the $250,000 - $400,000 range is taxed at 1.5%. Your total tax bill? $2,975.00.
In New Brunswick, the land transfer tax payable is currently 1% of the assessed value of the property or consideration for the transfer, whichever is greater. For example, on a purchase of a house assessed to be worth $100,000, the tax payable is $1000.
The following chart illustrates Land Transfer Taxes for other provinces.
| ONTARIO |
| Land Transfer Tax (go to calculator) Up to $55,000 X 0.5% of total purchase price From $55,000 to $250,000 X 1% of total purchase price From $250,000 to $400,000 X 1.5% of total purchase price From $400,000 up X 2% of total purchase price |
| BRITISH COLUMBIA |
| Property Purchase Tax Up to $200,000 X 1% of total purchase price From $200,000 up X 2% of total purchase price |
| MANITOBA |
| Land Transfer Tax Up to $30,000 N/A From $30,000 to $90,000 X 0.5% of total purchase price From $90,000 to $150,000 X 1% of total purchase price From $150,000 up X 1.5% of total purchase price |
| QUEBEC |
| Transfer Tax Up to $50,000 X 0.5% of total purchase price From $50,000 to $250,000 X 1% of total purchase price From $250,000 up X 1.5% of total purchase price |
| Halifax Metro |
| 1.5% on total purchase price |
| Outside HalifaxCounty |
| Check with local municipality. |