Easier access to property assistance program

The city is making some changes aimed at making it easier for qualified home owners to access the city’s Low Income Senior and Low Income Property Assistance Program.

There is no longer a “complicated calculation” to determine the amount of the credit, according to a release from the city.

Starting with the 2018 taxation year, qualified applicants will receive a $400 tax credit on their tax account, which will be applied to the March 2018 interim tax bill (previously on the final tax bill in June). Those applicants who previously received more than a $400 credit will be grandfathered in and receive the same amount as 2017 (as long as they still qualify). Applications are available on the city’s website here.

The deadline to apply is Feb. 15.

Those that received a tax credit in 2017 will automatically receive a 2018 property tax assistance application in the mail.

Applicants can apply under one of the following qualifications:

1. Low Income Senior aged 65 or older. 2. Low Income Senior aged 55 to 64. 3. Low Income Person with a disability receiving benefits under the ODSP (Ontario Disability Support Program). Further eligibility requirements and documentation to be submitted is provided on the Property Tax Assistance Program application form as well as on the city’s website at http://www.peterborough.ca/Living/ Property_Tax/Realty_Tax_Assistance_ Rebate_Programs.htm.

Anyone with questions can call the city’s tax office at 705-742-7777 ext. 1865.