Prior to 2016, taxpayers disposing of a property qualifying as their principal residence did not have to report the sale on their income tax return. However, beginning in the 2016 tax year, all dispositions (or change in use of the property) of a principal residence must be reported in the tax year in which the property was disposed (or deemed disposed), even if it was the taxpayer’s principal residence during each year of ownership.
The CRA is providing some reporting relief – original purchase documents will not be necessary if the property will be fully exempt; only the address, proceeds of disposition, and the year of acquisition will be required.
Failing to report the disposition of a principal residence could result in:
- The principal residence exemption being denied, if the sale is not reported on the tax return in the year of disposition.
- Your income tax return being reassessed by the CRA beyond the normal reassessment period (generally, for individuals, this is three years from the date of the initial notice of assessment).
- Late-filing penalties if a late designation of a principal residence is made. Note: the CRA is not required to allow a late principal residence designation.
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