LAWYER SEARCH

Ontario Land Transfer Tax Calculator

Ontario Land Transfer Tax Calculator

Ontario Land Transfer Tax: A Guide for Homebuyers

Purchasing property in Ontario comes with various costs, one of the most significant being the land transfer tax (LTT). This tax applies to all real estate transactions and is calculated on a sliding scale based on the purchase price of the property.

Ontario Land Transfer Tax Rates

The Ontario LTT is a marginal tax, meaning different portions of the home’s value are taxed at different rates:

Purchase Price of HomeMarginal Tax Rate
First $55,0000.5%
$55,000.01 to $250,000.001.0%
$250,000.01 to $400,000.001.5%
$400,000.01 to $2,000,000.002.0%
Over $2,000,0002.5%

Buyers in Toronto must also pay the Toronto Land Transfer Tax in addition to the provincial tax.

Ontario Land Transfer Tax Calculation Example

For a home purchased at $300,000, the land transfer tax is calculated as follows:

  • $55,000 × 0.5% = $275

  • ($250,000 – $55,000) × 1.0% = $1,950

  • ($300,000 – $250,000) × 1.5% = $750

  • Total LTT: $2,975

Ontario Land Transfer Tax Rebate for First-Time Buyers

First-time homebuyers may qualify for a maximum rebate of $4,000. This fully covers the LTT on homes valued up to $368,000. Homes above this threshold receive the full $4,000 rebate, with the buyer responsible for any remaining balance.

Purchase PriceLand Transfer TaxFirst-Time Buyer RebateNet Tax Payable
$100,000$725$725$0
$200,000$1,725$1,725$0
$227,500$2,000$2,000$0
$600,000$8,475$4,000$4,475

Eligibility Requirements for the Rebate

  • Must be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident

  • Must be 18 years or older

  • Must occupy the home within nine months of purchase

  • Cannot have owned a home anywhere in the world

  • Spouse must not have owned a home while being your spouse

  • Newly constructed homes must qualify for a home warranty

  • Applications must be submitted within 18 months of purchase

How to Apply for the Rebate

Homebuyers can claim the rebate immediately when registering their property. If not claimed at the time of registration, a refund request can be submitted to the Ministry of Finance within 18 months of purchase.

Documents required include:

  • A completed Ontario Land Transfer Tax Refund Affidavit

  • A copy of the registered land transfer deed

  • A copy of the purchase and sale agreement

  • Proof of residence (e.g., driver’s license, utility bill)

Ontario Non-Resident Speculation Tax

Non-residents purchasing property within the Greater Golden Horseshoe (GGH) are subject to an additional 15% speculation tax. The GGH region covers areas including Toronto, Hamilton, Niagara, Peterborough, and Waterloo. Introduced in 2017, this measure aims to reduce speculative investment by foreign buyers.

Toronto Land Transfer Tax

In addition to the provincial land transfer tax, Toronto imposes a municipal land transfer tax (MLTT). As of January 1, 2024, homes valued above $3 million are taxed at a higher rate, starting at 3.5% and reaching 7.5% for homes valued at $20 million or more.

Purchase Price of HomeMarginal Tax Rate
First $55,0000.5%
$55,000.01 to $250,000.001.0%
$250,000.01 to $400,000.001.5%
$400,000.01 to $2,000,000.002.0%
Over $2,000,0002.5%
Over $3,000,000 and up to $4,000,0003.5%
Over $4,000,000 and up to $5,000,0004.5%
Over $5,000,000 and up to $10,000,0005.5%
Over $10,000,000 and up to $20,000,0006.5%
Over $20,000,0007.5%

If you’re purchasing a home in Toronto, you’ll need to budget for this additional cost. For more details, see our comprehensive guide on the Toronto Land Transfer Tax.

This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. For specific guidance, consult a Toronto real estate lawyer at Devry Smith Frank LLP