Question 1

What do you need from me to start?

Accepted Answer

Three dates to begin with: when you signed, when you closed or completed, and when you last owned a home you lived in if it's a first-time buyer claim. That's usually enough for a free assessment. If there's a claim worth making, we'll then need your agreement of purchase and sale, closing documents, and — for owner-built or renovation claims — your invoices.

Question 2

How long does the free assessment take?

Accepted Answer

Usually one business day. Sometimes we can tell you on the call.

Question 3

Do I have to come to your office?

Accepted Answer

No. Almost all of this is handled by email and phone. We act for clients across Ontario.

Question 4

I don't have all my documents. Can we still start?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Start with the dates. Most missing documents can be reconstructed — lawyers keep closing files, builders reissue statements, suppliers reprint invoices. We'll tell you what's actually needed rather than asking for everything.

Question 5

How long does the CRA take?

Accepted Answer

It varies with the type of claim and whether it's selected for review. Straightforward purchase claims move faster than owner-built or multi-unit rental claims. We'll give you a realistic range for your specific situation rather than a number that sounds good on a website — and if the enhanced rebate is involved, note that the CRA's administration of that program is still settling.

Question 6

What does a review involve?

Accepted Answer

The CRA asks for supporting information before assessing. It isn't an audit and it isn't an accusation — on some claim types it's close to routine. We respond on your behalf. A claim assembled properly the first time makes a review shorter and less likely.

Question 7

What if my claim is denied?

Accepted Answer

You have 90 days from the date on the notice of assessment to file a Notice of Objection. If we filed the claim, that's part of the same engagement.

Question 8

Can the CRA take a rebate back after paying it?

Accepted Answer

It can reassess within limitation periods, and use of the property changing after a claim — a rental unit converted to short-term letting, for instance — is the kind of thing that can raise questions. If your circumstances change after a rebate is paid, it's worth a conversation before rather than after.

Question 9

What does it cost?

Accepted Answer

A flat professional fee rather than a percentage of your rebate, quoted on your first call and charged when we file. Owner-built, renovation and multi-unit rental claims are quoted on scope because they take more work. Objection work is quoted separately unless we filed the original claim.

Question 10

Why not a percentage?

Accepted Answer

Because a percentage of a $130,000 rebate is a great deal of money for work that hasn't changed since the ceiling was $24,000. A flat fee keeps the increase where it belongs — with you.

Question 11

What if the claim is unsuccessful?

Accepted Answer

If the CRA denies your application and all appeals or opportunities for reconsideration have been exhausted or are no longer available, our engagement agreement provides for a refund of our fee, less any out-of-pocket expenses, itemised in writing.

Question 12

Do I pay anything for the assessment?

Accepted Answer

No. If we don't believe you have a claim, we'll tell you at that stage and it will have cost you nothing.

Question 13

Can you take a claim another firm started?

Accepted Answer

Yes, including objections on claims we didn't file. Bring us what you have.

Question 14

Do you work with builders, realtors or lawyers?

Accepted Answer

Yes. If you refer clients into these programs regularly, it's worth a conversation — particularly now, since builders carry obligations around crediting rebates that have become more complex under the new programs.

Question 15

Do you handle anything other than housing rebates?

Accepted Answer

GST/HST matters under the Excise Tax Act. We don't do general accounting or income tax.

How this actually works

Getting Started