When Does HST Apply to Farmland Sales?

Selling farmland can be a complex process, especially when it comes to HST implications. Here's what you need to know about when HST applies to farmland sales:

Principal Residence on Farmland

When selling farmland with a principal residence, the transaction is treated as two separate sales for HST purposes:

  1. The sale of the principal residence is NOT subject to HST.

  2. The sale of the remaining acreage COULD be subject to HST.

Hobby Farms

If you've been operating a hobby farm on the remaining land and decide to sell, there's good news:

  • NO HST is chargeable on the portion of land not related to the house if it was used as a hobby farm.

Leased Farmland

However, if you've been leasing the land to a third party for farming:

  • The sale of the land WOULD be subject to HST, as leasing is considered a business activity, not personal use.

Understanding these distinctions can help you navigate the HST implications when selling your farmland. Always consult with a tax professional for advice specific to your situation.


Disclaimer

The content on this web site is provided for general information purposes only and does not constitute legal or other professional advice or an opinion of any kind. Users of this web site are advised to seek specific legal advice by contacting members of Carson Law, Carson IP, or their own legal counsel regarding any specific legal issues. Carson Law does not warrant or guarantee the quality, accuracy or completeness of any information on this web site. The articles published on this web site are current as of their original date of publication, but should not be relied upon as accurate, timely or fit for any particular purpose.


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