Section 319 of the Municipal Act, 2001, c.25, provides that every municipality shall pass a by-law for the purposes of relieving financial hardship by offering deferrals on all or part of a tax increase for assessment related tax increases. This by-law applies to owners of residential property who are, or whose spouses or same-sex partners are low-income seniors or low-income persons with disabilities.
A low-income person with disabilities is defined under the Municipal Act, as a person who is in receipt of assistance paid under the Ontario Disability Support Program Act. A low-income senior is defined as a person who is at least 65 years of age and who is in receipt of payments under the Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS), as established under the Old Age Security Act (Canada).
To qualify for a tax deferral, the assessment must result in a minimum increase of $100 to the property taxes in a given year. Deferred taxes remain owed to the municipality and are a special lien on the land. The amount of deferred taxes become due and payable in full upon the death of the owner, or upon a change in ownership of the property to someone other than the spouse or same-sex partner of the owner or if the property ceases to be the principle resident of the owner.
If you qualify for a Property Tax Deferral for Low-Income Seniors or Low-Income Persons with Disabilities based on the above, you can apply by downloading the following form or by contacting the City of North Bay at 705-474-0400.
Application for Property Tax Deferral for Low-Income Seniors or Low-Income Persons With Disabilities