{"id":376,"date":"2025-11-12T18:53:53","date_gmt":"2025-11-12T18:53:53","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/canada.truenorthtaxes.ca\/?p=376"},"modified":"2025-11-12T18:53:53","modified_gmt":"2025-11-12T18:53:53","slug":"first-time-home-buyers-tax-credit","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/truenorthbenefits.ca\/taxes\/first-time-home-buyers-tax-credit\/","title":{"rendered":"First-Time Home Buyers Tax Credit"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<style>\n:root {\n    --primary-color: #4F46E5;\n    --secondary-color: #10B981;\n    --text-dark: #1F2937;\n    --text-light: #6B7280;\n    --bg-light: #F9FAFB;\n    --border-color: #E5E7EB;\n    --success-color: #059669;\n    --warning-color: #F59E0B;\n}\n\n.vftc-wrapper {\n    font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, sans-serif;\n    max-width: 1200px;\n    margin: 0 auto;\n    padding: 20px;\n    color: var(--text-dark);\n}\n\n.vftc-hero {\n    text-align: center;\n    padding: 40px 20px;\n 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0 2px 4px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.05);\n}\n\n.vftc-faq-section h2 {\n    font-size: 2em;\n    margin: 0 0 30px 0;\n    color: var(--text-dark);\n    text-align: center;\n}\n\n.vftc-faq-item {\n    background: var(--bg-light);\n    padding: 24px;\n    border-radius: 12px;\n    margin-bottom: 16px;\n    cursor: pointer;\n    transition: all 0.3s;\n}\n\n.vftc-faq-item:hover {\n    background: #F3F4F6;\n}\n\n.vftc-faq-question {\n    font-weight: 600;\n    color: var(--text-dark);\n    display: flex;\n    justify-content: space-between;\n    align-items: center;\n    font-size: 1.1em;\n}\n\n.vftc-faq-toggle {\n    width: 32px;\n    height: 32px;\n    background: white;\n    border-radius: 50%;\n    display: flex;\n    align-items: center;\n    justify-content: center;\n    flex-shrink: 0;\n    transition: all 0.3s;\n}\n\n.vftc-faq-item.active .vftc-faq-toggle {\n    background: var(--primary-color);\n}\n\n.vftc-faq-toggle svg {\n    width: 20px;\n    height: 20px;\n    stroke: var(--text-dark);\n    transition: all 0.3s;\n}\n\n.vftc-faq-item.active .vftc-faq-toggle svg {\n    stroke: white;\n    transform: rotate(180deg);\n}\n\n.vftc-faq-answer {\n    margin-top: 16px;\n    color: var(--text-light);\n    line-height: 1.7;\n    display: none;\n}\n\n.vftc-faq-item.active .vftc-faq-answer {\n    display: block;\n}\n\n.vftc-cta-box {\n    background: linear-gradient(135deg, var(--primary-color) 0%, #7C3AED 100%);\n    padding: 32px;\n    border-radius: 12px;\n    text-align: center;\n    color: white;\n    margin: 30px 0;\n}\n\n.vftc-cta-box h3 {\n    margin: 0 0 16px 0;\n    color: white;\n}\n\n.vftc-cta-box p {\n    margin: 0 0 20px 0;\n    opacity: 0.95;\n    color: white;\n}\n\n.vftc-cta-button {\n    display: inline-block;\n    background: white;\n    color: var(--primary-color);\n    padding: 14px 32px;\n    border-radius: 8px;\n    text-decoration: none;\n    font-weight: 600;\n    transition: all 0.3s;\n}\n\n.vftc-cta-button:hover {\n    transform: translateY(-2px);\n    box-shadow: 0 4px 12px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.2);\n}\n\n@media (max-width: 768px) {\n    .vftc-hero h1 {\n        font-size: 1.8em;\n    }\n    \n    .vftc-content {\n        padding: 24px;\n    }\n    \n    .vftc-features-grid {\n        grid-template-columns: 1fr;\n    }\n}\n<\/style>\n<div class=\"vftc-wrapper\">\n    <div class=\"vftc-hero\">\n        <h1>First-Time Home Buyers Tax Credit Canada 2026<\/h1>\n        <p>Claim up to $1,500 in federal tax savings \u2014 here&#8217;s everything you need to know to get your money<\/p>\n    <\/div>\n\n<div class=\"vftc-content\">\n    <p>Let&#8217;s be real \u2014 buying your first home in Canada feels like climbing the Rockies while carrying a two-four on your back. Between the down payment, closing costs, and that mortgage stress test, every loonie counts. The good news? The CRA&#8217;s got a tax credit that&#8217;ll put $1,500 back in your pocket, eh.<\/p>\n\n    <div class=\"vftc-highlight-box\">\n        <h3> Quick Answer<\/h3>\n        <p><strong>The First-Time Home Buyers Tax Credit gives you $10,000 in federal tax relief<\/strong> (worth $1,500 in actual savings) when you buy your first qualifying home. Just claim it on line 31270 of your tax return. The amount doubled from $5,000 in December 2022 \u2014 and yes, you can combine it with the RRSP Home Buyers&#8217; Plan for even bigger savings.<\/p>\n    <\/div>\n\n    <h2>\n        <div class=\"vftc-icon\">\n            <svg fill=\"none\" stroke=\"currentColor\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\">\n                <path stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\" stroke-width=\"2\" d=\"M9 12l2 2 4-4m6 2a9 9 0 11-18 0 9 9 0 0118 0z\"><\/path>\n            <\/svg>\n        <\/div>\n        Who&#8217;s Actually Eligible?\n    <\/h2>\n    \n    <p>Here&#8217;s the deal \u2014 you qualify if you meet the CRA&#8217;s definition of a first-time buyer, which is more flexible than you might think:<\/p>\n\n    <ul class=\"vftc-list\">\n        <li>You (or your spouse\/partner) bought a <strong>qualifying home registered in Canada<\/strong><\/li>\n        <li>You <strong>didn&#8217;t live in a home you owned<\/strong> during the year of purchase OR in the four previous calendar years<\/li>\n        <li>The home must become your <strong>principal residence within one year<\/strong> of buying or building it<\/li>\n        <li>If you&#8217;re buying for a person with a disability, the first-time buyer rule doesn&#8217;t apply<\/li>\n    <\/ul>\n\n    <p>Notice that four-year rule? That&#8217;s the CRA giving you a second chance. Owned a condo in Toronto back in 2020 but sold it? If you&#8217;re buying in 2026, you&#8217;re back in the game as a first-timer.<\/p>\n\n    <h2>\n        <div class=\"vftc-icon\">\n            <svg fill=\"none\" stroke=\"currentColor\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\">\n                <path stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\" stroke-width=\"2\" d=\"M3 7v10a2 2 0 002 2h14a2 2 0 002-2V9a2 2 0 00-2-2H5a2 2 0 00-2-2z\"><\/path>\n                <path stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\" stroke-width=\"2\" d=\"M8 7V5a2 2 0 012-2h4a2 2 0 012 2v2m-6 4h6\"><\/path>\n            <\/svg>\n        <\/div>\n        What Homes Qualify? Pretty Much Everything\n    <\/h2>\n\n    <p>The CRA doesn&#8217;t discriminate \u2014 your cottage country cabin counts just as much as a downtown Vancouver condo. Qualifying homes include:<\/p>\n\n    <div class=\"vftc-features-grid\">\n        <div class=\"vftc-feature-card\">\n            <div class=\"vftc-feature-icon\">\n                <svg fill=\"none\" stroke=\"currentColor\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\">\n                    <path stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\" stroke-width=\"2\" d=\"M3 12l2-2m0 0l7-7 7 7M5 10v10a1 1 0 001 1h3m10-11l2 2m-2-2v10a1 1 0 01-1 1h-3m-6 0a1 1 0 001-1v-4a1 1 0 011-1h2a1 1 0 011 1v4a1 1 0 001 1m-6 0h6\"><\/path>\n                <\/svg>\n            <\/div>\n            <h4>Single-Family Homes<\/h4>\n            <p>Detached houses, semi-detached, and townhouses anywhere in Canada<\/p>\n        <\/div>\n\n        <div class=\"vftc-feature-card\">\n            <div class=\"vftc-feature-icon\">\n                <svg fill=\"none\" stroke=\"currentColor\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\">\n                    <path stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\" stroke-width=\"2\" d=\"M19 21V5a2 2 0 00-2-2H7a2 2 0 00-2 2v16m14 0h2m-2 0h-5m-9 0H3m2 0h5M9 7h1m-1 4h1m4-4h1m-1 4h1m-5 10v-5a1 1 0 011-1h2a1 1 0 011 1v5m-4 0h4\"><\/path>\n                <\/svg>\n            <\/div>\n            <h4>Condos &#038; Apartments<\/h4>\n            <p>Condo units, apartments, and even mobile homes qualify<\/p>\n        <\/div>\n\n        <div class=\"vftc-feature-card\">\n            <div class=\"vftc-feature-icon\">\n                <svg fill=\"none\" stroke=\"currentColor\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\">\n                    <path stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\" stroke-width=\"2\" d=\"M8 7h12m0 0l-4-4m4 4l-4 4m0 6H4m0 0l4 4m-4-4l4-4\"><\/path>\n                <\/svg>\n            <\/div>\n            <h4>Under Construction<\/h4>\n            <p>Homes under construction or substantial renovations count too<\/p>\n        <\/div>\n\n        <div class=\"vftc-feature-card\">\n            <div class=\"vftc-feature-icon\">\n                <svg fill=\"none\" stroke=\"currentColor\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\">\n                    <path stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\" stroke-width=\"2\" d=\"M17.657 16.657L13.414 20.9a1.998 1.998 0 01-2.827 0l-4.244-4.243a8 8 0 1111.314 0z\"><\/path>\n                    <path stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\" stroke-width=\"2\" d=\"M15 11a3 3 0 11-6 0 3 3 0 016 0z\"><\/path>\n                <\/svg>\n            <\/div>\n            <h4>Any Location<\/h4>\n            <p>From city condos to rural properties \u2014 if it&#8217;s in Canada, it qualifies<\/p>\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n\n    <h2>\n        <div class=\"vftc-icon\">\n            <svg fill=\"none\" stroke=\"currentColor\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\">\n                <path stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\" stroke-width=\"2\" d=\"M12 8c-1.657 0-3 .895-3 2s1.343 2 3 2 3 .895 3 2-1.343 2-3 2m0-8c1.11 0 2.08.402 2.599 1M12 8V7m0 1v8m0 0v1m0-1c-1.11 0-2.08-.402-2.599-1M21 12a9 9 0 11-18 0 9 9 0 0118 0z\"><\/path>\n            <\/svg>\n        <\/div>\n        How Much Will You Actually Save?\n    <\/h2>\n\n    <p>The math couldn&#8217;t be simpler. Multiply the lowest federal tax rate (15%) by $10,000, and you&#8217;ve got <strong>$1,500 in cold, hard tax savings<\/strong>. This is a non-refundable credit, meaning it reduces your tax bill to zero, but won&#8217;t send you a refund cheque beyond that.<\/p>\n\n    <p>Pro tip: you can split the $10,000 with your spouse or common-law partner \u2014 maybe $5,000 each, or any combination that totals $10,000. Splitting can be smart if one of you is in a lower tax bracket and needs the credit more.<\/p>\n\n    <div class=\"vftc-cta-box\">\n        <h3>Want to Calculate Your Total Savings?<\/h3>\n        <p>See how this credit stacks with other deductions for your 2026 return<\/p>\n        <a href=\"https:\/\/truenorthbenefits.ca\/taxes\/income-tax-calculator\/\" class=\"vftc-cta-button\">Try Our Tax Calculator<\/a>\n    <\/div>\n\n    <h2>\n        <div class=\"vftc-icon\">\n            <svg fill=\"none\" stroke=\"currentColor\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\">\n                <path stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\" stroke-width=\"2\" d=\"M9 7h6m0 10v-3m-3 3h.01M9 17h.01M9 14h.01M12 14h.01M15 11h.01M12 11h.01M9 11h.01M7 21h10a2 2 0 002-2V5a2 2 0 00-2-2H7a2 2 0 00-2 2v14a2 2 0 002 2z\"><\/path>\n            <\/svg>\n        <\/div>\n        How to Claim Your $1,500 (No Paperwork Needed)\n    <\/h2>\n\n    <p>Here&#8217;s where the CRA actually makes life easy. To claim your credit:<\/p>\n\n    <ul class=\"vftc-list\">\n        <li>Enter $10,000 on <strong>line 31270<\/strong> of your federal tax return<\/li>\n        <li>If splitting with a partner, just coordinate who claims what (combined total can&#8217;t exceed $10,000)<\/li>\n        <li>No supporting documents required when you file, whether online or by mail<\/li>\n        <li>Keep your purchase agreement and closing documents for <strong>6 years<\/strong> in case the CRA asks<\/li>\n    <\/ul>\n\n    <p>That&#8217;s it. No applications, no waiting periods, no CRA phone calls. Just one line on your return and you&#8217;re $1,500 richer.<\/p>\n\n    <h2>\n        <div class=\"vftc-icon\">\n            <svg fill=\"none\" stroke=\"currentColor\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\">\n                <path stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\" stroke-width=\"2\" d=\"M4.318 6.318a4.5 4.5 0 000 6.364L12 20.364l7.682-7.682a4.5 4.5 0 00-6.364-6.364L12 7.636l-1.318-1.318a4.5 4.5 0 00-6.364 0z\"><\/path>\n            <\/svg>\n        <\/div>\n        The Disability Exception (A Hidden Gem)\n    <\/h2>\n\n    <p>Here&#8217;s something most realtors won&#8217;t tell you: <strong>you don&#8217;t need to be a first-time buyer<\/strong> if you&#8217;re purchasing a home for someone who qualifies for the disability tax credit. The home must be more accessible or better suited to their care, but this opens the door for families supporting disabled relatives.<\/p>\n\n    <h2>\n        <div class=\"vftc-icon\">\n            <svg fill=\"none\" stroke=\"currentColor\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\">\n                <path stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\" stroke-width=\"2\" d=\"M13 10V3L4 14h7v7l9-11h-7z\"><\/path>\n            <\/svg>\n        <\/div>\n        Stack It with Other Programs for Maximum Benefit\n    <\/h2>\n\n    <p>Smart Canadians don&#8217;t stop at one credit. Here&#8217;s how to double-dip legally:<\/p>\n\n    <ul class=\"vftc-list\">\n        <li><strong>RRSP Home Buyers&#8217; Plan (HBP):<\/strong> Withdraw up to $60,000 tax-free from your RRSP for your down payment (up from $35,000 in 2025)<\/li>\n        <li><strong>GST Rebate for New Homes:<\/strong> New for 2025-2026 \u2014 save up to $50,000 in GST on new homes under $1 million<\/li>\n        <li><strong>Provincial Credits:<\/strong> Some provinces offer their own first-time buyer incentives<\/li>\n    <\/ul>\n\n    <p>Understanding <a href=\"https:\/\/truenorthbenefits.ca\/taxes\/tax-brackets-canada\/\" style=\"color: var(--primary-color); text-decoration: none; font-weight: 600;\">how Canada&#8217;s tax brackets work<\/a> helps you strategize which credits to claim and when.<\/p>\n\n    <h2>\n        <div class=\"vftc-icon\">\n            <svg fill=\"none\" stroke=\"currentColor\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\">\n                <path stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\" stroke-width=\"2\" d=\"M8.228 9c.549-1.165 2.03-2 3.772-2 2.21 0 4 1.343 4 3 0 1.4-1.278 2.575-3.006 2.907-.542.104-.994.54-.994 1.093m0 3h.01M21 12a9 9 0 11-18 0 9 9 0 0118 0z\"><\/path>\n            <\/svg>\n        <\/div>\n        The Bottom Line\n    <\/h2>\n\n    <p>Don&#8217;t leave $1,500 on the table. The First-Time Home Buyers Tax Credit is the easiest money you&#8217;ll ever get from the CRA \u2014 no applications, no waiting, just one line on your tax return. Whether you&#8217;re buying a fixer-upper in Halifax or a new build in Calgary, this credit is your welcome-to-homeownership gift from the federal government.<\/p>\n\n    <p>And hey, if you&#8217;ve got little ones at home, this credit works alongside benefits like the <a href=\"https:\/\/truenorthbenefits.ca\/taxes\/canada-child-benefit\/\" style=\"color: var(--primary-color);\">Canada Child Benefit<\/a> \u2014 every bit helps when you&#8217;re building a future, right?<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"vftc-faq-section\">\n    <h2>Frequently Asked Questions<\/h2>\n\n    <div class=\"vftc-faq-item\">\n        <div class=\"vftc-faq-question\">\n            Can I claim the credit if I owned a home more than 4 years ago?\n            <div class=\"vftc-faq-toggle\">\n                <svg fill=\"none\" stroke=\"currentColor\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\">\n                    <path stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\" stroke-width=\"2\" d=\"M19 9l-7 7-7-7\"><\/path>\n                <\/svg>\n            <\/div>\n        <\/div>\n        <div class=\"vftc-faq-answer\">\n            Yes! The CRA looks at the 4-year period before the year you bought your home. If you owned property outside that window, you qualify. For a 2026 purchase, you just can&#8217;t have owned a home in 2025, 2024, 2023, or 2022.\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n\n    <div class=\"vftc-faq-item\">\n        <div class=\"vftc-faq-question\">\n            What if I owe less than $1,500 in taxes? Do I lose the remainder?\n            <div class=\"vftc-faq-toggle\">\n                <svg fill=\"none\" stroke=\"currentColor\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\">\n                    <path stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\" stroke-width=\"2\" d=\"M19 9l-7 7-7-7\"><\/path>\n                <\/svg>\n            <\/div>\n        <\/div>\n        <div class=\"vftc-faq-answer\">\n            Unfortunately, yes. This is a non-refundable credit, meaning it only reduces your tax owing to zero. You won&#8217;t receive a refund for any unused portion. Consider claiming the full amount in a year when you have higher taxable income.\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n\n    <div class=\"vftc-faq-item\">\n        <div class=\"vftc-faq-question\">\n            Can my partner and I both claim $10,000 if we buy together?\n            <div class=\"vftc-faq-toggle\">\n                <svg fill=\"none\" stroke=\"currentColor\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\">\n                    <path stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\" stroke-width=\"2\" d=\"M19 9l-7 7-7-7\"><\/path>\n                <\/svg>\n            <\/div>\n        <\/div>\n        <div class=\"vftc-faq-answer\">\n            No, the $10,000 limit applies per home, not per person. You can split it however you want \u2014 $5,000 each, $7,000\/$3,000, or any combination \u2014 but your combined claims cannot exceed $10,000.\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n\n    <div class=\"vftc-faq-item\">\n        <div class=\"vftc-faq-question\">\n            Do I need to submit documents with my tax return?\n            <div class=\"vftc-faq-toggle\">\n                <svg fill=\"none\" stroke=\"currentColor\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\">\n                    <path stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\" stroke-width=\"2\" d=\"M19 9l-7 7-7-7\"><\/path>\n                <\/svg>\n            <\/div>\n        <\/div>\n        <div class=\"vftc-faq-answer\">\n            Nope! Just enter the amount on line 31270. However, keep your purchase agreement, closing statement, and proof of occupancy for 6 years. The CRA can request these documents to verify your claim.\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n\n    <div class=\"vftc-faq-item\">\n        <div class=\"vftc-faq-question\">\n            Can I use this credit if I inherited a property?\n            <div class=\"vftc-faq-toggle\">\n                <svg fill=\"none\" stroke=\"currentColor\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\">\n                    <path stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\" stroke-width=\"2\" d=\"M19 9l-7 7-7-7\"><\/path>\n                <\/svg>\n            <\/div>\n        <\/div>\n        <div class=\"vftc-faq-answer\">\n            If you inherited a property and it was registered in your name, you likely don&#8217;t qualify as a first-time buyer within the 4-year window. However, if you never occupied the inherited property and can prove it wasn&#8217;t your principal residence, you might still be eligible. Check with an accountant.\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n\n    <div class=\"vftc-faq-item\">\n        <div class=\"vftc-faq-question\">\n            How does the new GST rebate for first-time buyers work with this credit?\n            <div class=\"vftc-faq-toggle\">\n                <svg fill=\"none\" stroke=\"currentColor\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\">\n                    <path stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\" stroke-width=\"2\" d=\"M19 9l-7 7-7-7\"><\/path>\n                <\/svg>\n            <\/div>\n        <\/div>\n        <div class=\"vftc-faq-answer\">\n            They&#8217;re completely separate! The GST rebate (up to $50,000 for new homes under $1M announced in 2025) reduces the purchase price at closing. The HBTC reduces your income tax later. You can absolutely use both for maximum savings.\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n\n    <div class=\"vftc-faq-item\">\n        <div class=\"vftc-faq-question\">\n            What happens if I buy a house but don&#8217;t move in within one year?\n            <div class=\"vftc-faq-toggle\">\n                <svg fill=\"none\" stroke=\"currentColor\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\">\n                    <path stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\" stroke-width=\"2\" d=\"M19 9l-7 7-7-7\"><\/path>\n                <\/svg>\n            <\/div>\n        <\/div>\n        <div class=\"vftc-faq-answer\">\n            The CRA requires the home to become your principal residence within one year. If circumstances prevent this (renovations, work relocation, etc.), document everything. You may need to prove your intention was to occupy it within the timeframe.\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n\n    <div class=\"vftc-faq-item\">\n        <div class=\"vftc-faq-question\">\n            Can I claim the credit retroactively if I missed it last year?\n            <div class=\"vftc-faq-toggle\">\n                <svg fill=\"none\" stroke=\"currentColor\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\">\n                    <path stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\" stroke-width=\"2\" d=\"M19 9l-7 7-7-7\"><\/path>\n                <\/svg>\n            <\/div>\n        <\/div>\n        <div class=\"vftc-faq-answer\">\n            Yes! You can file an adjustment to your previous year&#8217;s tax return using Form T1-ADJ or through CRA My Account. You have up to 10 years to claim missed credits. If you bought in 2025 and forgot to claim, you can still get your $1,500.\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n\n    <div class=\"vftc-faq-item\">\n        <div class=\"vftc-faq-question\">\n            Does this credit affect my mortgage qualification or stress test?\n            <div class=\"vftc-faq-toggle\">\n                <svg fill=\"none\" stroke=\"currentColor\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\">\n                    <path stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\" stroke-width=\"2\" d=\"M19 9l-7 7-7-7\"><\/path>\n                <\/svg>\n            <\/div>\n        <\/div>\n        <div class=\"vftc-faq-answer\">\n            No, the HBTC is claimed after purchase and doesn&#8217;t directly impact your mortgage application. However, the HBP (RRSP withdrawal) can help with your down payment, which does affect mortgage qualification. Understanding <a href=\"https:\/\/truenorthbenefits.ca\/taxes\/tax-brackets-canada\/\" style=\"color: var(--primary-color);\">tax brackets<\/a> helps optimize both.\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<script>\ndocument.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', function() {\n    const faqItems = document.querySelectorAll('.vftc-faq-item');\n    \n    faqItems.forEach(item => {\n        item.addEventListener('click', function() {\n            const isActive = this.classList.contains('active');\n            \n            \/\/ Close all items\n            faqItems.forEach(i => i.classList.remove('active'));\n            \n            \/\/ Open clicked item if it wasn't active\n            if (!isActive) {\n                this.classList.add('active');\n            }\n        });\n    });\n});\n<\/script>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>First-Time Home Buyers Tax Credit Canada 2026 Claim up to $1,500 in federal tax savings \u2014 here&#8217;s everything you need to know to get your money Let&#8217;s be real \u2014 buying your first home in Canada feels like climbing the Rockies while carrying a two-four on your back. Between the down payment, closing costs, and [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[21],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-376","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-tax-credits"],"blocksy_meta":{"styles_descriptor":{"styles":{"desktop":"","tablet":"","mobile":""},"google_fonts":[],"version":8}},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/truenorthbenefits.ca\/taxes\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/376","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/truenorthbenefits.ca\/taxes\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/truenorthbenefits.ca\/taxes\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/truenorthbenefits.ca\/taxes\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/truenorthbenefits.ca\/taxes\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=376"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/truenorthbenefits.ca\/taxes\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/376\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/truenorthbenefits.ca\/taxes\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=376"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/truenorthbenefits.ca\/taxes\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=376"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/truenorthbenefits.ca\/taxes\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=376"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}