Property Tax Relief Programs

• This program does not cancel your property taxes
• It allows you to delay paying a portion of any increase in your property taxes from one year to the next
• Only the amount of your increase over $500 can be deferred
• The deferred amount is added as a lien on your property
  (a lien is a legal claim that is attached to your property until the amount is repaid)
• You do not need to repay the deferred amount until:
  • The property is sold, or
  • You no longer qualify for the program for two consecutive years

To qualify, you (or your spouse/partner) must meet all property requirements and at least one income or status requirement:

Property Requirements

• The property must be your principal residence in the County of Bruce
• Seasonal or part-time properties do not qualify
• You must have owned the property for at least one full year before applying
• If the property is owned with someone other than your spouse/partner, all owners must meet the eligibility criteria
• The program applies to one single-family dwelling per owner

Income & Status Requirements (must meet at least one)

• Low-Income Senior:
  Age 65 or older and receiving the Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS) or Ontario Works

• Person with Disabilities:
  Receiving financial assistance through the Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP)

• Download and complete the application form
• Submit it to the Huron-Kinloss Treasurer at the Municipal Office

Required documentation:

• Proof of GIS, ODSP, or Ontario Works benefits
• Signed authorization allowing verification of your information

• This program only applies to increases in your taxes — you will still need to pay your regular property tax amount
• Any deferred amount is secured against your property as a lien and must be repaid later
• You must continue to meet the eligibility requirements each year to remain in the program
• Applications are subject to review and approval based on your eligibility and supporting documentation

Rebate Amount

• Eligible charities receive a 40% rebate on the property taxes for the portion of the property they occupy

How Payments Work

• If your application is approved:
  • 50% of the rebate is issued within 60 days
  • The remaining 50% is paid within 120 days

To qualify, your organization must meet all of the following:

• Be a registered charity under the Income Tax Act (Canada)
• Have a valid Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) registration number
• Occupy space in a property classified as commercial or industrial

Not eligible if:

• The property already receives a tax reduction under Section 361(2) of the Municipal Act

Application Deadline

• Applications must be submitted after January 1 of the tax year
• The deadline is the last day of February of the following year
  (Example: 2026 applications must be submitted by February 28, 2027)

Moving or Relocation

• If your organization moves to another municipality, you may need to repay part of the rebate
• If you move within Huron-Kinloss, your rebate may be adjusted

Additional Information

• The rebate applies only to the portion of the property occupied by the charity
• You must apply each year to receive the rebate
• Applications are subject to review and approval by the Township
• Payments are issued after approval, not automatically

• Complete the application form (Schedule A)
• Submit it to the Treasury Department at the Municipal Office

Be sure to include:

• Your CRA registration number
• The property roll number
• An authorized signature

You must also provide:

• Proof of your registered charity status