On March 27, 2025, the Iranian Canadian Builders’ Association (ICBA) hosted a highly informative seminar titled “GST/HST & Real Estate: What Every Builder Needs to Know.” The event was led by tax law expert Julia Ghazi of Artunis Tax Law PC, who provided a detailed overview of GST/HST rebates, audits, and compliance for professionals in the Ontario real estate and construction sectors.

Objectives

The purpose of this seminar was to:

• Educate builders and developers on the application of GST/HST to newly constructed homes
• Highlight common red flags that lead to audits
• Provide legal insights into how businesses can prepare for and respond to tax audits
• Empower attendees with strategies to proactively protect their operations

Key Topics Covered

• GST/HST rules for new residential property sales
• Navigating the audit process
• Common mistakes and how to avoid them
• Legal responsibilities and documentation best practices
• Updates on recent regulatory changes impacting the industry

Attendance

The seminar attracted a diverse group of professionals, including:

• Homebuilders and developers
• Contractors and project managers
• Accountants and bookkeepers working in real estate
• Individuals involved in property sales, leasing, or investment

Impact and Feedback

Attendees praised the clarity and relevance of the content, especially the real-world scenarios and actionable advice shared by Ms. Ghazi. Many expressed increased confidence in handling GST/HST compliance and indicated interest in future ICBA legal and financial seminars.

Conclusion

This seminar reaffirmed ICBA’s commitment to supporting the Iranian Canadian construction and real estate community through education, networking, and advocacy. ICBA extends its sincere thanks to Julia Ghazi for her expertise and to all attendees for making the evening a success.