Home Renovation Tax Credit - Less than 30 days left

Hiring a contractor means work has to be done by deadline

TORONTO , Jan. 2 /CNW/ -

    
    -   The Home Renovation Tax Credit (HRTC) is a non-refundable credit for
        work performed on or good acquired for the renovation of owned,
        personal dwellings. To qualify, a family must spend at least $1,000
        on home renovations, up to a maximum of $10,000 and the renovation
        must be of an "enduring nature" and "integral to the dwelling".

    -   All renovation expenses must be incurred after January 27, 2009 and
        before February 1, 2010.

    -   If you are planning a do-it-yourself renovation, only supplies and
        materials purchased on or before January 31, 2010 are eligible. You
        cannot claim expenses after the deadline.

    -   If you are hiring a contractor, the work must be completed by
        February 1, 2010 in order to qualify. Just signing a contract for
        work before the deadline is not sufficient.

    -   If you paid a contractor but they left without finishing the work,
        you cannot claim the unfinished expense. If the work is not
        completed, the expense is not eligible for the HRTC.
    

A local H&R Block spokesperson is available to talk about more the Home Renovation Tax Credit deadline.

    
    About H&R Block Canada
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H&R Block Canada has been preparing taxes for more than 40 years and is Canada's leading tax preparation firm. Headquartered in Calgary , Alberta, the company serves Canadian taxpayers in more than 1,100 offices across the country. H&R Block Canada Inc. is a subsidiary of H&R Block, Inc., a diversified company with subsidiaries providing a wide range of financial products and services. Additional information about H&R Block Canada is available at 1-800-HRBLOCK or visit www.hrblock.ca for more tax tips.

For further information: Tina Quelch, Calador Communications, [phone], [email protected]