What You Should Know About the Proposed First Home Savings Account

The government has recently proposed the introduction of a Tax-Free First Home Savings Account (FHSA) scheduled to take effect sometime in 2023.

With this new legislation, first-time home buyers will get a chance to tap into a new way of saving for their homes while enjoying tax breaks.

For a long time, young Canadians have wanted a chance to own their home, but the high cost of living and even higher rent costs have often stood in the way of that dream.

But with the new Tax-Free First Home Savings Account (FHSA), the light seems to be shining at the end of the home-buying tunnel. With this account, Canadians under 40 can save up to $40,000 and withdraw it tax-free to make payments for their first homes, with no repayment requirement.

Read on to learn the details of the proposed FHSA and all the benefits you’ll be reaping as a first-time home buyer.

Background Into Tax-Free First Home Savings Account (FHSA)

With house prices skyrocketing to the tune of $400,000, any incentive to save up for that first payment is welcomed by young Canadians.

The two saving plans available are the Home Buyers’ Plan (HBP) and Registered Retirement Savings Plan (RRSP). But the coming of 2023 might see the availability of a new option, the FHSA.

With FHSA, you’ll be able to save up to $8000 a year with a lifetime limit of $40,000. Though the date for implementation of FHSA hasn’t been set yet, you’ll still be allowed to contribute the $8000 yearly limit for that year.

The account will only remain open for 15 years or until you turn 71.

Benefits of a Tax-Free First Home Savings Account (FHSA)

Just like with an RRSP, contributions towards your FHSA are tax deductible. So if you contribute $8000 annually, your tax would decrease by a similar amount.

Also, withdrawals you make from the account will be tax-free, provided you use the money towards paying for your first home.

Another benefit of FHSA is that after contributing up to $40,000, you can withdraw the full amount and not need to repay the fund. Contrarily, when you make an HBP withdrawal, you must repay the amount in 15 years.

FHSA also has a flexible contribution system. Essentially you can carry forward unused portions of your annual contribution. So if your contribution for a certain year was less than $8,000, you could contribute that exact amount on top of your next annual contribution.

Here’s how to qualify for the FHSA:

• You must be over 18 years old and a Canadian resident
• You must be a first-time home buyer
• The funds can only be used to purchase a primary residence and not an investment property.

Simplify Your Home Buying Process With Metro Mortgage Group

Need help navigating the complex home buying process and financing details? At Metro Mortgage Group in Edmonton, we help first-time home buyers have a smooth-sailing home-buying experience.

Whether you need help with credit improvement or getting a mortgage that works for you, Mortgage Group in Edmonton can help.

Call us at (780) 905-6359 for the best first-time home-buying tips and a fast pre-approval mortgage.

Don’t go in blind; let’s chat!

Are you ready to purchase your first home? Reach out to me directly or start your application here: www.sandraforscutt.ca/mortgage-application/