Exploring Tax Deductibility of Home Insurance – Part 2

The article below is the second part of a two-part series. Be sure to check the first article before proceeding.

As a homeowner, you incur various expenses to ensure your property and assets are protected. One of the most important expenses is home insurance. However, the good news is that you can claim a tax deduction on your home insurance premiums. In this guide, we will discuss how you can file for tax deductions on home insurance in Canada.

Gather Relevant Documents

Before filing for tax deductions on your home insurance premiums, gathering all the relevant documents is important. These documents will serve as proof of your expenses and will be required when submitting your tax returns. Here are some of the documents you need to collect:

1. Home Insurance Policy

This is the main document that shows the details of your home insurance coverage. It should include the premium amount paid for the year.

2. Receipts

Any receipts related to your home insurance expenses should be kept. This includes receipts for premiums paid, policy changes, and any other related expenses.

3. Proof of Payment

You will need to provide proof of payment for your home insurance premiums. This can be in the form of bank statements, credit card statements, or cancelled checks.

4. Home Inventory

It is important to keep an updated inventory of your home’s contents. This will help you determine the amount of coverage you need and serve as proof of ownership in case of a claim.

5. Claims History

If you have made any claims in the past, you must provide a copy of the claims history. This will help determine if you are eligible for any deductions.

Claim Your Tax Deduction

To claim your tax deduction, you must itemize your deductions on your tax return. This means you must provide documentation of your homeowner’s insurance premium payments. You can usually find this information on your insurance policy statement or by contacting your insurance provider.

The amount of your tax deduction will depend on your premium payments and your tax bracket. Typically, you can deduct the number of your premium payments up to a certain percentage of your adjusted gross income (AGI). The percentage varies yearly, so be sure to check the most recent tax laws and regulations.

Homeowner Deductions for Canadians

In Canada, homeowners can also claim certain deductions on their tax returns. One of the most common deductions is the Home Buyers’ Amount, which allows first-time homebuyers to claim up to $5,000 towards their home purchase.

Other deductions that homeowners can claim include:

• Property tax: Homeowners can deduct the amount of property tax they pay on their primary residence.
• Home Accessibility Expenses: If you have made modifications to your home to make it more accessible for a disabled person, you may be able to claim a deduction for these expenses.
• Interest on your mortgage: Homeowners can deduct the interest paid on their mortgage, up to a certain amount.
• Renovations for medical purposes: If you have made renovations to your home to accommodate a medical condition, you may be able to deduct these expenses.

Conclusion

Filing for tax deductions on home insurance can help you save money on your income tax. To file for tax deductions, you need to understand what tax deductions are, gather relevant documents, calculate your tax deduction, and claim your tax deduction on your income tax return. By following these steps, you can ensure that you take advantage of all the tax benefits available to you as a homeowner.

Protect your home and family with Reliant Insurance Park. Our experienced brokers will work closely with you to ensure you have the proper home insurance in Sherwood Park. Contact us today to learn more about our insurance products and how we can help you protect what matters most.