Ontario Senior Homeowner's Property Tax Grant

Beginning in 2009, the Ontario Senior Homeowner's Property Tax Grant will be provided to help eligible senior homeowners with low and moderate incomes pay their property taxes.

Eligible senior homeowners will be able to obtain a grant of up to $250 in 2009. The maximum grant will be increased to $500 for 2010 and subsequent years.

Senior couples with $250 or more in property taxes in 2008 and incomes up to $45,000 will receive the maximum grant in 2009, while those with incomes between $45,000 and $60,000 will receive a proportionately smaller grant.

Single seniors with $250 or more in property taxes in 2008 and incomes of up to $35,000 will receive the maximum grant in 2009, while those with incomes between $35,000 and $50,000 will receive a proportionately smaller grant.

To receive the 2009 grant, on December 31st of 2008, an applicant: - must own and occupy a principal residence in Ontario, for which he or she must have paid property taxes in 2008, and must be at least 64 years old.

With the new grant, most eligible seniors will receive more property tax relief than under the current system. Senior homeowners who already receive full property tax relief through the Ontario Tax Credits (OTC's) will continue to do so through the combination of grant and credit.

Applications for the 2009 grant and the OTC's will be contained in the 2008 personal income tax returns (Form ON479), available in early 200.

If you need more information on the new grant or the OTC's, call 1-800-337-7222 or 1-800-263-7776 for TTY between 8:30am and 5:00pm Monday to Friday.