FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)


Who is eligible for tax relief?

You must be a low-income senior or low-income disabled person, or the spouse of one of these, AND must have owned or occupied the property from January 1, 2019 AND the property for which you are seeking relief must be classified as residential or farm property (Class RT on your tax bill).
 
 

Who is a low-income senior?

To be considered a low-income senior, you must be 65 years of age or older on December 31, 2019 and receiving the federal Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS) as established by the Old Age Security Act of Canada.
 

Who is a low-income disabled person?

A low-income disabled person is a person receiving amounts under the Ontario Disability Support Program.
 

Who is an owner?

For the purpose of the Low-Income Seniors and Low-Income Disabled Persons Tax Relief Program, owner means a person assessed as the owner of residential real property and includes an owner within the meaning of the Condominium Act.
 
What if I own more than one property?
Relief shall be provided for only one property each year.
 

What kind of tax relief is available?

Tax relief is in the form of a deferral of part of a tax increase on your property. The annual amount of the deferral will be calculated by the Finance Department. Your tax bill is not being eliminated.
 

Will I pay any portion of the tax increase?

Yes. You will be required to pay the first $50 of any tax increase. The balance will be deferred if you qualify for the program.
 

Will interest be charged on the deferred amount?

No interest is charged on the deferred balance.
 

Will the tax deferral create a lien on my property?

Yes. A lien will be established on the property in the deferred amount which must be paid prior to any transfer of ownership.
 

When will I have to pay the deferred taxes?

Annual eligible amounts shall be deferred until the subject property is transferred, sold, bequeathed or otherwise disposed of, at which time the total deferred amount, including any part year portions, shall become due and payable to the City.

Contact Us

Phone
705-759-5290

Email
citytax@cityssm.on.ca

Fax
705-759-1842

TTY
1-877-688-5528

Location
Civic Centre - Level 2

Our Team