Senior Homeowners’ Property Tax Grant

The Ontario Senior Homeowners Property Tax Grant is an annual amount provided to help offset property taxes for seniors with low to middle incomes who own their own homes. In 2009, the maximum grant was $250. In 2010 and subsequent years, the maximum grant is $500.

The Canada Revenue Agency administers the grant on behalf of the Province of Ontario.

Can I receive the property tax grant?

You can apply for a grant for a taxation year if you meet the following conditions on December 31 of the previous year.

To apply for the 2011 grant, you must file a personal income tax return for 2010 and meet the following conditions:

  • you were 64 years of age or older on December 31, 2010
  • you were a resident of Ontario on December 31, 2010
  • you (or your spouse or common-law partner) owned and occupied your principal residence on December 31, 2010 for which you (or your spouse or common-law partner) paid Ontario property taxes in 2010
  • your spouse or common-law partner has not received a Property Tax Grant for 2011
  • you meet the income requirements.

You may be eligible for the Ontario Property Tax Credit in addition to the Property Tax Grant. For 2010, the Ontario Property and Sales Tax Credit is replaced with a new Ontario Sales Tax Credit and a new Ontario Property Tax Credit.

Note: If you did not apply for the 2010 grant on your 2009 personal income tax return, you may contact the Canada Revenue Agency at 1 800 959-8281 to request an adjustment to your return to apply for it before January 1, 2012.

How do I apply to receive the property tax grant?

To receive the grant, you have to apply for it each year by completing and attaching Form ON479, Ontario Credits and Senior Homeowners’ Property Tax Grant, to your personal income tax return. (Note: this form is included in the Ontario General Income Tax and Benefit package.)

Your grant will be based on the information provided in your income tax return. You should receive your grant by cheque or direct deposit within 4 to 8 weeks after you receive your Notice of Assessment from the Canada Revenue Agency.

Where can I find more information?

For additional information, review the Senior Homeowner’s Property Tax Grant Information Bulletin or contact the Ministry of Revenue at:

  • 1 866 ONT-TAXS (1 866 668-8297)
  • 1 800 263-7776 for teletypewriter (TTY)

Ontario Senior Homeowners’ Property Tax Grant Questions and Answers are also available through the Canada Revenue Agency website.

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