Tax, Legal & TRESA

If a Brokerage Steals Your Deposit: What Ontario’s Consumer Deposit Insurance Actually Covers

A brokerage's theft, insolvency or misappropriation of trust funds made your deposit vanish—what gets it back in Ontario? Not a “fund,” but RECO's mandatory Consumer Deposit Insurance: up to $200,000 per claim, capped at $4 million per event, pro-rated above that, no deductible, free to consumers. This guide covers what triggers coverage, the limits, how to file and by when, subrogation after payout, and what it never covers—market losses, bad deals, or a dispute over who is owed the deposit. Figures sourced to RECO, verified 2026-07-29.

House-Rich, Cash-Squeezed by Property Tax? Ontario’s Relief and Deferral Options for Senior and Disabled Homeowners

Feeling squeezed by Ontario municipal property tax on a fixed income? Low-income seniors and homeowners with disabilities have two paths: deferral (pay later — the balance rides on your home) and cancellation (actually written off). Municipal Act, 2001 s.319 lets each municipality set up these programs, but the age, income and interest rules are set by local by-law — Toronto, Ottawa and Haldimand all differ. This explains the two mechanisms, the lien trap in deferral, and how to apply. With municipal sources. Not legal or tax advice.

The Home Accessibility Tax Credit (HATC): Getting Money Back on Accessibility Renovations

A plain-language guide to the federal Home Accessibility Tax Credit (HATC): who is a qualifying individual, who can claim it, which accessibility renovations count and which do not, the $20,000 annual limit and lowest-federal-rate credit (14% for 2026), how to claim on Line 31285, and how it differs from the MHRTC and the medical expense credit. Not tax advice.

The Multigenerational Home Renovation Tax Credit: How Canada’s $7,500 Credit Works for Building a Suite for an Aging Parent

Canada's Multigenerational Home Renovation Tax Credit (MHRTC) is a refundable credit worth 15% of eligible costs on up to $50,000 — a maximum of $7,500 — for building a self-contained secondary suite so a senior or a disabled adult relative can live with family. Who qualifies, how it is calculated, and how to claim on Line 45355.