You can’t avoid the taxman: Goods ordered early for post-July installation will still get 13% levy. With all the billboards springing up around the city, it’s hard to miss the 13% harmonized sales tax (HST) slated to become law July 1. For many, the tax is just a convenient combination of 8% provincial sales tax (PST) and 5% goods and services tax (GST). But for the home renovation industry, which contributes $20-billion and 195,000 jobs to Ontario’s economy, the HST may have some hidden challenges.

A new poll suggests more than one in three Canadians plan to take advantage of the federal government’s home-renovation tax credit. More than eight in 10 of those questioned in The Canadian Press-Harris Decima survey said they were aware of the program, under which eligible applicants can receive a tax rebate of as much as $1,350 if they invest up to $10,000 in renovations on their home.

The Canadian Government announced a Home Renovation Tax Credit with the 2009 Federal Budget. This will allow home owners to claim eligible home renovation expenses on their 2009 income tax up to a maximum of $1,350.