How To Repay The Home Buyers Plan?

Investing in a second home can be a great decision if you want to diversify your investments and have a steady income stream. It is a great way to diversify your portfolio, generate long-term income, and enjoy a vacation destination.

Home Buyer’s Plan is a boon for those who wish to buy their first home in Canada.

It allows first-time home buyers to withdraw funds from their Registered Retirement Savings Plan (RRSP) and use them to buy or build a home.

HBP is rolled out by the Canadian government where you can use up to $35,000 from your RRSP contributions tax-free as your down payment.

However, it does come with a catch – CRA requires that you repay the amount you withdrew under the HBP within a set timeframe, or you could face significant penalties.

So, if you’ve used the HBP to buy or build a qualifying home or you are planning to do so, you must know how to go about repaying the funds that you withdraw from your RRSP contribution.

Home Buyers’ Plan Repayment Schedule

It’s important to remember that the HBP is not a grant or a gift – it’s a loan that must be repaid.

• The repayment period for the HBP is generally 15 years, and you need to start paying back in the second year after the year of withdrawal.
• If you fail to make your required HBP repayments, the amount you owe will be added to your taxable income, and you’ll have to pay income tax on that amount.

For example,

if you withdrew funds from your RRSP in 2021; you would need to start making repayments no later than 2023.

What If You Miss A Payment?

• If you miss a payment, the amount you owe will be added to your taxable income for the given year.
• This means that you will have to pay taxes on the amount you missed, and you may also be subject to penalties and interest charges.
• If you continue to miss payments, the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) may take legal action to collect the funds you owe.

Now that you are aware of the basic rules for repaying the Home Buyers Plan (HBP), let’s talk about how to determine your repayment amount.

How Much Should You Repay To The Canada Revenue Agency?

You can repay your HBP balance by making timely payments like –

Lump-Sum Payment

You can make a lump-sum payment at any time, as long as you repay the full amount within the 15-year period.

Regular Payments

You can set up regular payments through your financial institution. Your minimum annual repayment will be automatically withdrawn from your bank account each year, making it easy to stay on track with your repayments.

Extra Payments

You can make extra payments on top of your minimum annual repayment if you have the financial means to do so. This can help you repay the loan more quickly.

How To Calculate The Minimum Repayment Amount?

The minimum amount for your annual repayment will depend on the amount you withdrew from your RRSP under the HBP.

You will need to repay at least 1/15th of the total amount withdrawn each year.

For example, if you withdrew the full $35,000, your minimum annual repayment would be $2,333.33 ($35,000/15).

How To Make Repayments Towards Your Home Buyers Plan?

There are a few ways to make HBP repayments –

You can make payments online through your financial institution’s website or by mail using a payment voucher from the CRA.

• If you make your payments online, make sure you select “HBP repayment” as the payment type.

• If you make your payments by mail, be sure to include your social insurance number, your full name, and the tax year for which you are making the payment on the payment voucher.

Tips To Repay Your HBP Funds Quickly

Repaying the HBP can seem like a daunting task, but there are some things you can do to make the process easier:

Set Up Automatic Payments

If your financial institution allows it, set up automatic payments for your HBP repayments. 

This will ensure that you don’t miss any payments and will make the process much more convenient.

Make Extra Payments When Possible

If you have extra funds available, consider making extra HBP repayments.

This will help you pay off your loan faster and reduce the amount of interest you’ll owe over time.

Plan Ahead

Make sure you budget for your HBP repayments each year so that you can ensure you have enough money to make your required payments.

The CRA will send the HBP statement of account each year to help you keep track of your repayments.

Tax Implications For The Amount You Withdraw From Your RRSP

Understanding the tax deduction policy will help you manage your repayments effectively.

• The repayments under the HBP are not tax-deductible.
• However, the repayments will not be taxed as income when you withdraw them from your RRSP in the future.
• This means that you won’t be taxed twice on the same money.

Penalties For Not Repaying The HBP

If you do not repay the HBP on time or fail to make your minimum annual repayment, you will face penalties.

The amount you did not repay will be added to your income tax return and you will be charged accordingly.

This means you will be taxed on the amount you withdrew from your RRSP under the HBP, plus any amounts that you did not repay on time.

If you’re struggling to make your HBP repayments on time, it’s important to reach out to the CRA as soon as possible. You can also talk to a financial advisor or tax professional.

Consult Professionals For Proper Financial Plans

While it’s important to understand the rules and strategies for repaying the Home Buyers Plan (HBP), seeking professional advice from a financial advisor or tax professional can be extremely beneficial.

Financial Advisor

A financial advisor can help you develop a comprehensive financial plan that takes into account your HBP repayments, as well as other financial goals like saving for retirement, paying off debt, and building an emergency fund.

They can also help you explore investment strategies and other options for growing your wealth over time.

Tax Professional

A tax professional can provide guidance on tax implications related to your HBP repayments, as well as other tax issues related to your finances.

They can help you understand how your HBP repayments will impact your tax return and provide advice on how to minimize your tax liability.

In addition to providing valuable advice and guidance, working with a financial advisor or tax professional can give you peace of mind and help you feel more confident about your financial future.

FAQs – How To Repay The Home Buyers Plan

How do I report a repayment on my HBP?

To report a repayment on your Home Buyer’s Plan (HBP), you can use the Schedule 7 form on your income tax return.

It’s important to report your HBP repayments accurately to avoid penalties or interest charges.

Where can I check my HBP balance?

You can check your HBP balance by contacting the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) directly. You can also log in to your CRA My Account online and view your HBP balance there.

How long does it take to withdraw RRSP for HBP?

It typically takes a few business days to process the withdrawal from your RRSP and transfer the funds to your bank account.

However, it’s important to plan ahead and allow for enough time for the withdrawal to be processed before you need the funds for your down payment.

What happens if you miss an HBP payment?

If you miss an HBP payment, you will be required to include the missed payment amount in your taxable income for the year.

Where does Home Buyers’ Plan repayment go?

The HBP repayment goes back into your RRSP account, and you can use the funds for future investments or retirement savings.

Can both spouses use the Home Buyers’ Plan?

Yes, you and your spouse or common-law partner both can use the HBP as long as they meet the eligibility criteria.

Is the HBP taxed?

The HBP itself is not taxed, but if you do not make the required repayments on time, the missed payments will be added to your taxable income and taxed accordingly.

Learn more with the most common questions about Home Buyers Plan.

Ready To Repay The Funds You Withdrew From Your RRSP?

To sum it up, if you have withdrawn money under HBP to purchase your first home, you’ll be required to repay the contributions to your RRSP under 15 years.

By understanding the rules, and making timely repayments to your RRSP, you can ensure that your home purchase remains a positive and financially sound decision for years to come.

Planning ahead and creating a repayment plan can help you avoid the stress of having to repay a large sum of money at once.

Additionally, making repayments on time can save you from incurring unnecessary taxes and penalties in the future.

If you have any questions or need further support, don’t hesitate to reach out to a financial advisor or tax professional.

They can provide valuable guidance and support in managing your finances and achieving your long-term goals.

Thank you for reading, and best of luck in your HBP repayment journey!