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Canada’s Housing Market Faces Headwinds Despite BoC Moves

The Bank of Canada’s 25-basis-point cut in September was at best ignored by the national market, with sales falling 1.7 per cent compared to the month before. The Bank of Canada’s recent interest rate adjustments have done little to revive the country’s housing market, which continues to struggle under the weight of broader economic concerns. In September, the central bank cut its policy rate by 25 basis points, bringing it to 2.5%. Yet, instead of sparking renewed activity, national home sales actually fell by 1.7% compared to the previous month.  Economists note that the housing market is no longer moving in lockstep with monetary policy, but is instead being shaped by regional affordability challenges, consumer psychology, and—most critically—job security fears. Uncertainty surrounding U.S. trade policy has also cast a shadow over Canada’s economic outlook. Businesses remain hesitant to invest, and households are wary of making major financial commitments such as home purchas...

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GST/HST Credit Eligibility Criteria for 2024




The GST/HST credit is a tax credit offered to low- and modest-income households in Canada. It is a tax-free quarterly payment that helps offset the GST or HST paid on goods and services. You are eligible for the GST/HST credit if you are a Canadian resident over the age of 19. A Canadian resident earning below $52,255 annually is eligible to apply for the GST/HST tax credit. The annual earnings limit increases to $62,175 for a single parent with two children, and for a married couple with three children, the adjusted family income should be lower than $65,595.

The GST/HST tax credit amount varies based on the individual’s income and family size. An individual is eligible to receive up to $496 in tax refunds. Moreover, the tax credit amount rises to $650 for married couples, while for every child below the age of 19, the payout is raised by an additional $171.

The GST/HST tax credit for the 2022 base year will be distributed between July 2023 and June 2024. The last GST/HST tax credit distribution date was on January 5, 2024.

It is important to note that the eligibility criteria and tax credit amounts are subject to change. For the most up-to-date information, please visit the official website of the Canada Revenue Agency.

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