Land Transfer Tax
In general, if you buy land or an interest in land in Ontario, you must pay Ontario's land transfer tax, whether or not the transfer is registered at one of Ontario's land registry office.
Land includes any buildings, buildings to be constructed, and fixtures (such as light fixtures, built-in appliances and cabinetry).
Land transfer tax is normally based on the amount paid for the land, in addition to the amount remaining on any mortgage or debt assumed as part of the arrangement to buy the land.
In some cases, land transfer tax is based on the fair market value of the land, for example, where:
- a lease can exceed 50 years;
- land is transferred from a corporation to one of its shareholders; or
- land is transferred to a corporation, if shares of the corporation are issued.
Land Transfer Tax
Tax Rates
Current tax rates (effective from June 1, 1989)
- 0.5% of the value of consideration for the transfer up to and including $55,000,
- 1% of the value of the consideration which exceeds $55,000 up to and including $250,000, and
- 1.5% of the value of the consideration which exceeds $250,000, and
- 2% of the amount by which the value of the consideration exceeds $400,000 for land that contains at least one and not more than two single family residences.