The Healthy Homes Renovation Tax Credit is a new permanent, refundable Income Tax credit to assist with the cost of permanent home modifications that improve accessibility and mobility of seniors allowing them to stay in their homes longer.

The credit will be worth up to $1,500 each year, calculated as 15% of up to $10,000 in eligible home renovation expenses, which include modifications to permit a secondary suite, grab bars, wheelchair ramps and widening passage doors. For a complete list of eligible expenses please see the Ministry of Finance website.

If you have recently completed or are planning future home modifications hold on to your receipts in order to support any claim you may make. Eligible expenses incurred on or after October 1, 2011 will qualify for the 2012 credit. It could be claimed by senior homeowners, tenants, and people who share a home with a senior relative. Please see the above mentioned ministry website for more information and how to make a claim.