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Property tax help for seniors

Last checked: 2026-10-04

Most provinces and territories offer property tax help for seniors who own their home. The main types are deferral programs, which let you put off paying until you sell the home, and grants or rebates, which lower the bill. Rules, age limits and deadlines differ in each province, so check the entry for where you live.

Check if you qualify

Key facts

Ontario Senior Homeowners' Property Tax Grant

Up to $500 a year, claimed on your tax return

BC home owner grant for seniors 65+

Up to $845 (2027 tax year amount); property threshold $2,075,000 for 2026

Alberta Seniors Property Tax Deferral

Age 65+, no income test; 4.45% simple interest when checked

Nova Scotia Property Tax Rebate for Seniors

50% of 2025 taxes, up to $800; apply by December 31, 2026

Manitoba Seniors' School Tax Rebate

Up to $235 a year (2024 and later)

What kinds of property tax help are there for seniors?

Property tax help for seniors comes in three main forms. Many people can use more than one.

A deferral lets you put off paying some or all of your property tax. The province pays the tax for you, and the amount owing, plus any interest, is registered against your home. You or your estate pay it back when the home is sold or ownership changes. A deferral is a loan, not free money.

A grant, credit or rebate lowers your tax bill or pays you back part of the tax. You do not repay it.

Some help comes through your income tax return, such as the Ontario grant and the Manitoba rebate. Other help comes through your city, town or the province's tax office. Renters get help in other ways, which our rent help guide explains.

Is a property tax deferral right for me?

A deferral can free up cash each month if your income is low but you have value in your home. Before you sign up, think about these points:

• Interest may be charged, and in some provinces it compounds. The debt grows each year.
• The debt reduces what you or your heirs get when the home is sold.
• Most programs require a minimum amount of equity in your home, often 25%.
• You usually need to keep the home insured and keep other debts on the title in good standing.
• Talk to your family, or anyone who expects to inherit the home, before you apply.

Property tax help in each province and territory

Here is what each province and territory offers homeowners. Amounts and limits are those posted when we checked. The program decides who qualifies.

• British Columbia, deferment: The Property Tax Deferment Program's regular option is for owners 55 or older, surviving spouses and people with disabilities. For taxes deferred for 2026 and later, interest is prime plus 2%, compounded monthly; the rate for all of 2026 is 6.45%. Taxes deferred for 2025 and earlier keep simple interest at prime minus 2%. There is a $60 fee to join and a $10 fee each year you renew. You must apply every year, online through eTaxBC. Call 1-888-355-2700.
• British Columbia, home owner grant: If you are 65 or older this year, you may get the larger grant for seniors, which the province lists as $845 for the 2027 tax year. For 2026 the full grant goes to homes assessed at $2,075,000 or less, and it shrinks by $5 for every $1,000 above that. You must have paid at least $100 in property tax. If your home is worth more, you may still get a low-income supplement if your income is $32,000 or less. Apply every year. If you missed last year, you can ask for a retroactive grant.
• Alberta: The Seniors Property Tax Deferral Program is for owners 65 or older (only one partner needs to be 65). There is no income test. You need at least 25% equity. The province pays your municipal taxes as a home equity loan. Interest was 4.45% simple interest when we checked, reviewed each April and October. You can defer for up to 10 years without reapplying. Apply at least 30 days before your municipal tax deadline. Call 1-877-644-9992.
• Saskatchewan: The Seniors Education Property Tax Deferral Program lets owners 65 or older with household income below $70,000 defer the education part of their property tax. You need at least 25% equity and all-risk home insurance. Apply to Saskatchewan Housing Corporation at 1-800-667-7567.
• Manitoba: The Homeowners Affordability Tax Credit gives up to $1,600 for 2026 on your principal residence. It usually shows up on your property tax bill once you have told your municipality the home is your principal residence; if not, you can claim it on your tax return. Owners 65 or older can also claim the Seniors' School Tax Rebate on their tax return, worth up to $235. It goes down by 1% of family net income over $40,000 and ends at $63,500.
• Ontario, seniors grant: The Ontario Senior Homeowners' Property Tax Grant pays up to $500 a year. You must be 64 or older by December 31 of the tax year. On a 2025 return, a single person gets the full $500 with adjusted family net income of $35,000 or less, with nothing above $50,000. A couple gets the full amount at $45,000 or less, with nothing above $60,000. Apply by filling in the ON-BEN form with your tax return and reporting the property tax you paid. Payment comes four to eight weeks after your notice of assessment.
• Ontario, other help: The Ontario Energy and Property Tax Credit also helps with property tax; our rent help guide explains it. Low-income seniors may get relief from property tax increases through their municipality, so ask your city or town. In areas without municipal government, the Provincial Land Tax deferral program for low-income seniors applies (Ministry of Finance, 1-866-400-2122).
• Quebec: The Grant for Seniors to Offset a Municipal Tax Increase helps owners whose tax rose because their home's value went up a lot. As of December 31, 2025 you must be 65 or older, have owned the home for at least 15 years in a row, and have family income of $64,200 or less for 2025. Claim it on form TP-1029.TM-V with your Quebec return.
• New Brunswick, deferral: The Property Tax Deferral Program for Seniors lets owners 65 or older defer the yearly increase in their property tax above a base year. Interest is 3.949% a year if household income is under $124,178, and 8.949% if it is higher. Apply by December 31 of the year you want to start. Call 1-800-669-7070.
• New Brunswick, allowance: The Property Tax Allowance gives low-income owners up to $300 a year when household income is under $22,000, $200 up to $25,000 and $100 up to $30,000. You can apply for this year and the past three years. Call Service New Brunswick at 1-888-762-8600.
• Nova Scotia: The Property Tax Rebate for Seniors pays back 50% of your 2025 municipal residential property tax, up to $800. You must receive, or qualify for, the Guaranteed Income Supplement or the Allowance in 2026, and your 2025 taxes must be paid in full. Apply by December 31, 2026. Call 1-800-670-4357.
• Prince Edward Island: The Seniors Property Tax Deferral Program is for owners 65 or older with household income under $42,000. No interest builds up while taxes are deferred. Deferred taxes are due when the owner dies or the home is sold. Call 902-368-4070.
• Newfoundland and Labrador: We did not find a provincial property tax program for seniors. Property tax is set by your town or city, so ask your municipal office about any senior or low-income relief.
• Yukon, home owners grant: Seniors 65 or older can get up to 75% of their property tax, to a maximum of $500. Others can get up to 50%, to a maximum of $450. Applications for the 2026 tax year must reach the Yukon government by February 15, 2027. If you live in a municipality, apply through your municipal office. Call 867-667-5268.
• Yukon, deferment: The Seniors' Property Tax Deferment Program lets owners 65 or older defer all or part of their tax, minus the home owners grant. Apply after January 1; if you apply after July 2 you may owe penalties and interest for the year. Ask the Property Assessment and Taxation office (867-667-5268) whether your property is covered.
• Northwest Territories: Seniors and Disabled Persons Property Tax Relief gives a 100% rebate to qualified seniors 65 or older in the General Taxation Area. In Yellowknife, Hay River, Fort Smith, Fort Simpson, Inuvik and Norman Wells, ask your community government. You must apply every year.
• Nunavut: Seniors 65 or older and people with disabilities who own and live in their home in the general taxation area can apply each year for a property tax exemption. The City of Iqaluit runs its own property tax; call its finance department at 867-979-5610.

How to apply for property tax help for seniors

1. Find your province or territory in the list above and note which office runs each program: your tax return, the province, or your municipality.
2. Gather your latest property tax bill, proof that it is paid, your notice of assessment from the Canada Revenue Agency and photo ID.
3. For a deferral, also have your home insurance details and any mortgage or loan statements ready.
4. Apply before the deadline. Many programs, such as the BC grant and deferment, need a new application every year.
5. Keep a copy of what you send and write down the date and the name of anyone you speak to.

Grants that you claim on your tax return, such as the Ontario seniors grant and the Manitoba Seniors' School Tax Rebate, are only paid if you file a return. File every year, even if you have no income to report.

What if my application is refused?

Read the letter carefully. It should say why you were refused. Common reasons are a missed deadline, unpaid taxes, income above the limit or not enough equity in the home.

If you think there is a mistake, call the program and ask what proof would help. Send any missing papers. For grants claimed on your tax return, such as the Ontario grant, contact the Canada Revenue Agency. If you missed a year, ask whether you can apply late. The BC home owner grant and the New Brunswick Property Tax Allowance both allow some past years.

Things people often miss

• In Ontario, you can get the seniors grant at age 64. You do not have to wait until 65.
• In Nova Scotia, the seniors rebate is linked to receiving the Guaranteed Income Supplement or the Allowance. If you get either one, check whether you have applied.
• Some programs only work if you live in the home as your main residence. A cottage or rental property does not count.
• If you pay your property tax through your mortgage, tell your lender before you join a deferral program.
• BC changed its deferment interest for 2026. Taxes deferred for 2026 and later now cost more than before, so compare before you renew.

Who to contact

• BC Property Tax Deferment and Home Owner Grant
  Phone: 1-888-355-2700
• Alberta Supports Contact Centre
  Phone: 1-877-644-9992
• Saskatchewan Housing Corporation
  Phone: 1-800-667-7567
• Ontario Ministry of Finance (Provincial Land Tax)
  Phone: 1-866-400-2122
• New Brunswick Property Tax Deferral Program for Seniors
  Phone: 1-800-669-7070
  Monday to Friday, 8:15 am to 4:30 pm
• Service New Brunswick Property Assessment Services
  Phone: 1-888-762-8600
• Nova Scotia Property Tax Rebate for Seniors
  Phone: 1-800-670-4357
  Or 902-424-5200
• PEI Taxation and Property Records
  Phone: 902-368-4070
• Yukon Property Assessment and Taxation
  Phone: 867-667-5268
  Toll-free in Yukon: 1-800-661-0408, ext. 5268

Common questions

Can seniors defer property taxes in Canada?

Yes, in most provinces. BC, Alberta, Saskatchewan (education tax only), New Brunswick (yearly increases only), PEI and Yukon all have deferral programs for seniors. Ontario has one for land outside municipalities, and some municipalities offer their own.

How much is the Ontario Senior Homeowners' Property Tax Grant?

Up to $500 a year. It is reduced as income rises and ends at adjusted family net income of $50,000 for a single person or $60,000 for a couple, based on the 2025 return.

How do I apply for the Ontario seniors property tax grant?

Fill in the ON-BEN form that comes with your income tax return and report the property tax you paid. The grant is paid four to eight weeks after your notice of assessment.

What is the BC home owner grant for seniors?

It is a larger home owner grant for owners who are 65 or older this year. The province lists it as $845 for the 2027 tax year. You must apply every year.

What is the interest rate on BC property tax deferment in 2026?

For taxes deferred for 2026 and later, the rate is prime plus 2%, which is 6.45% for all of 2026, compounded monthly.

Does Alberta's seniors property tax deferral have an income limit?

No. Eligibility is not based on income, but you must be 65 or older and have at least 25% equity in your home.

Who gets the Nova Scotia seniors property tax rebate?

Owners who receive or qualify for the Guaranteed Income Supplement or the Allowance in 2026 and have paid their 2025 property tax in full. It pays half of that tax, up to $800.

Do I have to pay back a property tax deferral?

Yes. A deferral is a loan secured on your home. It is repaid, with any interest, when the home is sold or ownership changes, or earlier if you choose.

Sources

1. Apply for or renew a property tax deferment (Government of British Columbia)
2. Property tax deferment program (Government of British Columbia)
3. Interest and fees for property tax deferment (Government of British Columbia)
4. Current and previous property tax deferment interest rates (Government of British Columbia)
5. Home owner grant (Government of British Columbia)
6. Home owner grant for seniors (Government of British Columbia)
7. Budget 2026 Backgrounder: Updating the tax system (Government of British Columbia)
8. Seniors Property Tax Deferral Program (Government of Alberta)
9. Seniors Education Property Tax Deferral Program (Government of Saskatchewan)
10. Homeowners Affordability Tax Credit (Government of Manitoba)
11. Seniors' School Tax Rebate (Government of Manitoba)
12. Senior Homeowners' Property Tax Grant (Government of Ontario)
13. Guide to programs and services for seniors: Home and housing (Government of Ontario)
14. Grant for Seniors to Offset a Municipal Tax Increase (Revenu Québec)
15. Property tax deferral program for seniors (Government of New Brunswick)
16. Property Tax Allowance (Government of New Brunswick)
17. Apply for a property tax rebate: Property Tax Rebate for Seniors (Government of Nova Scotia)
18. Service Nova Scotia contacts (Government of Nova Scotia)
19. Seniors Property Tax Deferral Program (Government of Prince Edward Island)
20. Apply for Home Owners Grant (Government of Yukon)
21. Apply for the seniors' property tax deferment (Government of Yukon)
22. Seniors and Disabled Persons Property Tax Relief (Government of the Northwest Territories)
23. Property Tax (Government of Nunavut)

Related guides

• Rent and housing help
• Heating and energy help
• Home Accessibility Tax Credit
• Tax credits for seniors
• Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS)

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