This grant helps seniors with the cost of their property taxes.
How much money could I receive?
You could get up to $500 each year. (You can use the online calculator to see how much money you can get.)
Do I qualify?
You may qualify for the grant if:
- you or your spouse/common-law partner paid Ontario property tax in the previous year
- you meet the income requirements
- as of December 31 of the previous year, you: were 64 years of age or older; were a resident of Ontario; owned and occupied your principal residence (or your spouse/common-law partner did).
How is the amount I get for the grant calculated?
If you are single, separated, divorced or widowed
You could get $500 if your adjusted family net income (income) for the previous year was $35,000 or less.
Your grant is reduced by 3.33 per cent of your income over $35,000.
If your income was $50,000 or more, you do not qualify for this grant.
If you are married or living common-law
You could get $500 if your adjusted family net income (income) for the previous year was $45,000 or less.
Your grant is reduced by 3.33 per cent of your income over $45,000.
If your income was $60,000 or more as a couple, you do not qualify for this grant.
You and your spouse or common-law partner cannot both qualify for this grant: only one of you can receive money.
How do I get the grant?
You apply for the grant each year by completing the ON-BEN Application for the Ontario Trillium Benefit and Senior Homeowners’ Property Tax Grant, which is part of your personal income tax and benefit return (return).
Report the amount of property tax you paid on line 6112 on the ON-BEN application.
You should use total property taxes paid including the municipal and education property taxes. If you reside in an unorganized area, you may use amounts charged under the Provincial Land Tax Act or the Local Roads Boards Act or the Local Services Boards Act.
You may qualify for the grant even if you do not owe income tax.
The deadline for filing returns is April 30 of each year. If you file late, your payment may be delayed.
When will I receive my money?
The grant is paid four to eight weeks after you receive your notice of assessment from the Canada Revenue Agency. A cheque will be mailed to you, or the money will be directly deposited in your bank account.
Note: The grant cannot be assigned to a tax preparation service.
You may also be eligible for the Ontario Energy and Property Tax Credit portion of the Ontario Trillium Benefit.
Source: http://www.fin.gov.on.ca/en/credit/shptg/index.html
