Seniors Property Tax Deferral Program

The purpose of the Seniors Property Tax Deferral Program is to lower the cost of living for qualifying seniors by offering to defer payment of property taxes on their principal residence.

Who is eligible?

You may qualify for the program if you:

• are 65 years of age or older;
• have occupied your principal residence for at least six months in the year preceding the date of application; and
• have an annual household income of less than $35,000.

Are there any conditions?

If you own and occupy part of a multiple family dwelling, such as half a duplex, the payment of property taxes can be deferred only on the portion of the home that you occupy.

On properties consisting of more than one acre, commercial or farm property, or structures other than principal residence, property tax deferral may be limited to the house and the lot on which the house is located.

Payment of property taxes can be deferred on only one property. For example, if you own both a winter home and a summer cottage, you can only defer the payment of property taxes on the property you designate as your principal residence.

How does it work?

Upon acceptance into the program you will receive a deferred tax certificate in the mail.  Although you will continue to receive your annual property tax bill, you are no longer required to make payments on your annual property taxes.

While payment of the property taxes is deferred, property taxes continue to be levied on the property but interest does not accumulate on the deferred property tax account balance.  The annual property tax bill provides information on the amount of the accumulated property taxes owing on your home.

All deferred property taxes become payable when:

• the property owner dies; or
• the property owner sells the property.

How do I apply?

If you wish to apply to the Seniors Property Tax Deferral Program, you must complete an Application for Real Property Tax Deferral Program for Senior Citizens (780 Kb) (Demande au programme de report d’impôt foncier des aînés (774 Kb) form and return it to Taxation and Property Records as directed on the form.

Please note that your application must include a copy of last year’s income tax return for each of the registered owners of the property and for any other person residing in the house.

Who should I contact if I have questions about the program?

Taxation and Property Records
Phone: (902) 368-4070
Fax:      (902) 368-6164

Email:  taxandland@gov.pe.ca