Surprise bill has seniors jumping through hoops

I can just imagine the panic of senior citizens to get a letter demanding they pay thousand of dollars in taxes they do not owe. My aging cousin called me this week, in almost a panic, after receiving a bill to pay over $7,000 in fines, the first $2,000 payment due by May 15. He had previously gone to city hall and declared his home was not vacant, since he and his wife live in it. He has the receipt but they still sent him a bill to pay. They must now go again, either to 5100 Yonge St. or city hall, by public transit since they no longer have a car, to redeclare. Surely, the city can fix this fiasco and avoid more panic, particularly for this vulnerable group of our citizens.

Rita Maio, Woodbridge

I too was angered and upset when I received the City of Toronto notification that I owed over $5,000 for owning a vacant home. My home is definitely not vacant and hasn’t been since I moved in 51 years ago. How could the city not know this? My property taxes have been faithfully paid throughout these 51 years. I get notices that confirm my residence. My only failing has been that I wrongfully assumed that only vacant homes had to register. My bad. To put people, especially senior citizens through this stress is unforgivable. Add to this, it’s income tax time, talk about a doubleheader. Shame on the City of Toronto who will no doubt be collecting at least that $21.24 fee for failing to report. I am fortunate to be a senior who can navigate the complexities of the computer. There are a multitude who cannot and they are left to struggle.

Dianne Morren, Scarborough