The McMaster, McIntyre & Smyth, LLP team wishes you the happiest of holidays this season. May the New Year be filled with joy, health, and prosperity!

Lawyers provide their clients with legal advice whenever needed. A ‘lawyer’ is a general term used when referring to people who represent clients in court and practice law. In more detail, 'Barristers' represent clients in open court and can appear at the bar, while ‘Solicitors’, are permitted to conduct litigation in court but cannot plead cases in open court.

The home sharing market seems like it could be an easy way to supplement one’s income.  However, one should not jump into the market without first getting legal and tax advice.  Proponents of home sharing make it seem easy.  But you need to consider the issues: Municpal Regulation, Site-Specific Regulation, Financing and Insurance, Income Taxes, HST...

Remember, home sharing and short-term rentals, even if in your primary residence, are commercial operations.  Treat them as such and get advice.

We are delighted to announce the launch of our new website!

Our new website provides our existing and prospective clients a simple yet interactive view of our work and the services we offer. 

Purchasing a home is now more affordable due to recent government initiatives to assist first time home buyers. The Federal and Ontario governments have initiatives to assist first time home buyers. These include: New! - The Federal government announced in its 2009 budget the new Home Buyer Tax Credit for the 2009 tax year. If the proposal is enacted by Parliament, the credit will be worth up to $750 (15% of eligible expenses up to $5000) to offset the closing costs associated with the purchase of a home by first time home buyers. If there is more than one first-time home buyer,…