What This Is
The Ontario Senior Homeowners' Property Tax Grant (OSHPTG) is administered by the Ministry of Finance. It helps low-to-moderate income senior homeowners with the cost of their property taxes. The official page states that eligible applicants may receive up to $500 back each year.
This grant is not automatic. It must be applied for when filing your personal income tax return.
Eligibility
According to the official page, you or your spouse/common-law partner must meet all of the following as of December 31 of the previous year:
- Paid Ontario property tax for the year
- Met either of the following income requirements:
- Single, divorced or widowed and earned less than $50,000
- Married or living common-law with a combined income of less than $60,000
- Owned and occupied your principal residence
- Were 64 years of age or older
- Were a resident of Ontario
Grant Amount
The official page states the amount depends on your adjusted family net income.
If you are single, separated, divorced or widowed:
- You could get $500 if your adjusted family net income for the previous year was $35,000 or less
- If your income is over $35,000 but less than $50,000, your grant will be reduced by 3.33% of your income over $35,000
If you are married or living common-law:
- You could get $500 if your adjusted family net income for the previous year was $45,000 or less
- If your income is over $45,000, your grant will be reduced by 3.33% of your income over $45,000
The official page states that you do not qualify if your adjusted family net income is $60,000 or more. Only one person per couple can receive this grant.
How to Apply
The official page states that you need to file your tax return to apply, even if you don't have income to report. You may qualify even if you do not owe income tax.
Steps:
- Complete the ON-BEN application form (part of your general income tax and benefit return)
- Report the amount of property tax you paid on line 61120 on the ON-BEN application
- Submit the ON-BEN application form with your completed return
How the Grant Is Paid
The official page states the grant is paid four to eight weeks after you receive your notice of assessment from the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA).
The CRA is transitioning all benefit payments to direct deposit. If you already receive your income tax refund or other benefits or credits by direct deposit, you will also receive your OSHPTG payment by direct deposit. Otherwise, you will receive your payment by cheque.
To register for direct deposit, the official page lists two options:
- Use the CRA My Account service online
- Complete a direct deposit enrolment form and send it to: Receiver General for Canada, P.O. Box 5000, Matane, QC G4W 4R6
If you need help setting up direct deposit, the official page directs you to the Government of Canada website or to call the CRA at 1-800-959-8281.
Other Tax Credits and Benefits
The official page also mentions that you can find out about other Ontario benefit programs you may be eligible for, or calculate your tax credits. The Ministry of Finance hosts free webinars about Ontario taxes, tax credits and benefits. Registration details are on the official page.
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