You’re eligible to claim the credit for the year if on the last day of the tax year you’re:
- A resident of B.C., and
- A senior or a family member living with a senior, or
- A person with a disability or a family member living with a person with a disability (for 2016 and later tax years).
In addition, if you qualify for the disability tax credit you're eligible for this credit. If you aren't claiming the disability amount because you're claiming fees you paid for an attendant or care in a nursing home, you may still be eligible.
For seniors and family members living with seniors, your renovation expenses must happen on or after April 1, 2012. Expenses made or incurred under an agreement entered into before this date don't qualify.
For persons with disabilities and family members living with them, renovation expenses must happen on or after February 17, 2016. Expenses made or incurred under an agreement entered into before this date don't qualify.
Note: An eligible expense is deemed to have been paid on the earlier of the date on which the expense was paid or the date it becomes payable.
The credit can be shared between eligible residents of the home to a maximum amount of the credit. The maximum amount of the credit is $1,000 per tax year and is calculated as 10% of the qualifying renovation expense (maximum $10,000 in expenses). The credit is a refundable tax credit, which means if the credit is higher than the taxes you owe, you’ll receive the difference as a refund.
Go here to see what renovations qualifies and what doesn’t qualify.
Proof of residency in Canada
A document that displays your name and current home address and confirms that your primary place of residence is in the province or territory that is providing the benefit. For example:
- Driver's license
- Mortgage, rental or lease agreement
- Child Tax Benefit Statement
- Employer record (pay stub or letter from employer on company letterhead)
- Income tax assessment (most recent)
- Insurance policy (home, tenant, auto or life)
- Monthly mailed bank account statements for savings or chequing accounts (does not include receipts, bank books, letters or automated teller receipts)
- Mortgage, rental or lease agreement
- Motor Vehicle Permit (plate or vehicle portions)
- Property tax bill
- School, college or university report card or transcript
- Statement of Direct Deposit for social assistance or income assistance in your province or territory (for example, Disability Assistance, Hardship Assistance, Income Support, Assured Incoome, Social Solidarity, etc.)
- Statement of Employment Insurance Benefits Paid T4E
- Statement of Old Age Security T4A (OAS) or Statement of Canada Pension Plan Benefits T4A (P)
- Statement of Registered Retirement Savings Plan (RRSP), Registered Retirement Income Fund (RRIF), or Registered Home Ownership Savings Plan (RHOSP) from a financial institution (bank, trust company, credit union)
- Utility bill received by mail (home telephone, cable TV, public utilities commission, hydro, gas, water)
- Valid Provincial or Territorial Driver's Licence
- Temporary Driver's Licence (you must also show a photo license card with the same address)
- Workplace Safety and Insurance Board Statement of Benefits T5007
- Canada Pension Plan Statement of Contribution
- Valid Photo Identification
Social Insurance Number
For example:
- confirmation of SIN letter
- plastic SIN card (non-expired)
- You can claim the credit when you file your T1 income tax return.
- Complete the British Columbia Home Renovation Tax Credit for Seniors and Persons with Disabilities form (Schedule BC(S12) and enter the amount you spent on eligible renovations beside box 60480 on the British Columbia Credits form (BC479).
- You must retain documentation to support your claim, including receipts from suppliers and contractors. If work has been performed by a family member, receipts for labour and materials must have a GST/HST number.
- If you receive an invoice at the end of the calendar year and pay it in the following calendar year, the credit is to be claimed for the taxation year based on when you received the invoice.