Home Renovation Tax Credit - Win for Green Industry


The Canadian Nursery Landscape Association is urging members to promote the Home Renovation Tax Credit (HRTC). The most effective way to determine the items that qualify for the HRTC is using the statement issued by the federal government: "Any improvement or renovation of an enduring nature to dwelling or the land on which the dwelling sits."

The following are examples of what is eligible

new sod
trees
perennial shrubs and flowers
large rocks
interlocking driveways
decks
retaining walls
pathways
permanent irrigation and lighting systems
permanent ponds and waterfalls
large permanent garden ornaments
permanent swimming pools (in ground and above ground)
garden sheds
professional landscape design services
professional landscape contractor services
Listed as not eligible: annuals, lawn and garden maintenance, tree maintenance, snow removal.

The material purchased must be of an "enduring installation into the land."

Eligible home renovation expenditures for work performed, or goods acquired, are those between Jan. 27, 2009 and Feb. 1, 2010. A 15 per cent credit may be claimed on the portion of eligible expenditures exceeding $1,000, but not more than $10,000, meaning that the maximum tax credit is $1,350.

Properties eligible for the HRTC include houses, cottages and condominium units that are owned for personal use. Expenses such as labour, building permits, equipment rentals, professional services and incidentals are also eligible. Do-it-yourself labour is not eligible for the tax credit. Receipts will be needed, but consumers are not required to submit the receipts with their income tax file to Revenue Canada. The receipts will be needed if Revenue Canada requires confirmation of those projects.