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Understanding the FHSA: A Canadian's Guide to the First Home Savings Account

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Buying a home for the first time in Canada? We know saving up for that down payment seems like climbing Everest. But hold on; we've got some tools in our shed that might make that ascent a tad easier.


First Home Savings Account (FHSA)

Yep, Canada has a shiny new registered investment account tailored just for those eager first-time homebuyers. Sounds fancy? Let's break it down.


The FHSA isn't your regular savings account; it's more of an investment powerhouse. Typically, income on investments means taxes, but registered investment accounts like the FHSA come with the magical power of tax benefits. Think of the FHSA as a hybrid lovechild of the Tax-Free Savings Account (TFSA) and the Registered Retirement Savings Plan (RRSP). You can tuck your cash into this account, watch it grow tax-free, and use it to buy your dream home.


Imagine a big bucket labeled FHSA. Pour your cash into this bucket, and inside, swap that cash for various investments, like a guaranteed income certificate (GIC). As this GIC earns interest, it remains in the FHSA bucket, tax-free. When you're ready to take the plunge and buy your home, the money's yours without any tax. Just remember: if you stray and use this money elsewhere, taxes will catch up.


Who's eligible for the FHSA?

If you're between 18 and 71, live in Canada, and qualify as a first-time homebuyer, this account is waiting for you. And no, "first-time" doesn't strictly mean you've never owned a house. If you haven't lived in a house owned by you or your partner in the last five years, you're golden.


The FHSA isn’t forever. From the year you open it, there's a 15-year timeframe to use the money for a qualifying home. If not, you can either pull out the cash (hello taxes) or be wise and move it to your RRSP or a Registered Retirement Income Fund (RRIF).


Contributing to the FHSA

Annually, you can add up to $8,000 with a lifetime cap at $40,000. Missed a year? No worries. The unused contribution can be carried forward. For instance, imagine contributing just $2,000 in 2023. In 2024, besides the $8,000 for that year, you can also add the leftover $6,000 from 2023, making it $14,000 in total.


But be cautious, exceeding the limit means paying a 1% penalty monthly on the over-contribution.


Diversifying Your Investments

What can you nest in your FHSA? Stocks, bonds, mutual funds, ETFs, GICs — basically, the same type of investments you'd keep in a TFSA or RRSP.


Looking to start? Most Canadian financial institutions, including the big banks, have opened their doors to the FHSA.


FHSA and HBP: A Power Combo

If you're eyeing property in markets like Toronto or Vancouver, pair up your FHSA with the RRSP Home Buyers’ Plan (HBP). The HBP lets you pull out $35,000 from your RRSP tax-free for your home, repayable over 15 years. While the FHSA is a commendable initiative, always stay informed. With surging housing prices, your FHSA investments might not keep pace. If, for any reason, you don't buy a home within the account's limits, you miss out on its tax-free benefits.


The FHSA is Canada's gesture to help aspiring homeowners navigate the tough housing market. While it's not a one-size-fits-all, it's undoubtedly a tool worth considering in your homeownership journey.


Happy house hunting!


About

Nex CPA is a boutique Canadian digital accounting firm that provides online accounting solutions by combining technology and forward-thinking businesses. Tailored for the modern entrepreneur, we provide an easy, automated and client-focused service so you can focus on working 'on' the business and not 'in' the business.


For more information, please contact us at info@nex.cpa.


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