Quebec Welcome Tax refund: up to $5,875 for first-time homebuyers

The costs of buying your first home add up quickly: a down payment, inspection, notary fees, moving expenses and the Welcome Tax. The refundable tax credit for access to homeownership may help eligible buyers recover part of these property welcome tax.

The measure applies to eligible homes acquired on or after January 1, 2026.

How is the refund calculated?

The credit covers two portions of the welcome tax paid:

• 100% of the first $5,000;
• 25% of the next $3,500, providing up to another $875.

The maximum refund is therefore $5,875, before any reduction based on the property’s tax base.

Calculation example

Suppose a first-time homebuyer pays $7,000 in property welcome tax and the property’s tax base does not exceed $750,000.

In this example, the buyer could recover $5,500 of the $7,000 paid, provided all eligibility requirements are met.

What happens for properties over $750,000?

When the tax base used to calculate the welcome tax exceeds $750,000, the credit begins to decrease. Check this tax base rather than relying only on the purchase price.

The reduction equals 2.35% of the amount exceeding $750,000. The credit is reduced to zero once the tax base reaches $1,000,000.

Who may be eligible?

Generally, the buyer must purchase an eligible home they intend to use as their principal residence. They must not have occupied a property owned by themselves or their spouse during the period beginning at the start of the fourth calendar year before the purchase and ending the day before the acquisition.

Several types of homes may qualify, including:

• single-family, semi-detached and row houses;
• condos;
• duplexes and triplexes.

Eligibility also depends on Quebec residency and payment of the welcome tax. Special rules may apply, including when purchasing a home that is more accessible to someone with a severe disability. Check the full requirements with Revenu Québec.

Can the credit be received in advance?

Yes. Eligible buyers may request an advance payment once the welcome tax have been paid, provided the estimated credit exceeds $1,000 and the other conditions are met.

The request must be submitted no later than December 1 of the applicable taxation year. For an eligible acquisition in 2026, the date to remember is December 1, 2026.

The applicant must, among other requirements, live in Quebec when applying and agree to receive the payment by direct deposit. Consult Revenu Québec for the application procedure.

Include the credit in your home-buying budget

This refund can help reduce the costs of buying your first house or condo. You must pay the welcome tax before requesting an advance payment, so include that expense in your initial budget.

If you are planning to buy in Montreal, the West Island, Laval, the South Shore or elsewhere in Quebec, it may be useful to take this credit into account when planning your purchase.

Eligibility requirements may vary depending on your situation. Consult Revenu Québec or a qualified professional to confirm your eligibility.

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