Article posted December 22, 2011

The following is offered as advice only. If you believe you are entitled to either of these programs we strongly recommend that you check with your municipality tax office to determine your eligibility.

Municipalities in Halton Region offer two programs that help low income seniors reduce their property taxes. These are different programs both of which are administered by the municipality and are not part of your income tax return. These programs should not be confused for example with Provincial property tax credits which are claimed on tax returns.

The property tax rebate program provides a cash rebate for elibgible persons. In Burlington for example the amount of the property tax rebate is $450.

The deadline for claiming this rebate is rapidly approaching. Eligible persons must submit an application form to their municipal tax office by December 31st, 2011.

To be eligible you must:

• be 65 or older

• be receiving the Guaranteed Income Supplement

• have owned you home for at least a year

The property tax deferral program allows an eligible person to defer payment of the increase in taxes for the year in which the application is made.

The amount that can be deferred is the total increase from the previous year’s taxes to the current year’s taxes.

Remember this is a tax deferral program and taxes must eventually be repaid. The accumulated amount of all deferred amounts is paid when the applicable property is sold or is no longer the principal residence for the applicant

Applications for the property tax deferral are made following receipt of the final property tax bill which normally occurs in mid-year. Typically applications must be submitted to the municipal tax office within 45 days of receiving the final property tax bill.