City continues to provide financial support for seniors
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Eligible seniors can apply to receive a property tax rebate or deferral
The City of Vaughan continues to offer support programs and relief options to eligible seniors in the community. As the first instalment deadline for the City’s 2021 Interim Property Tax bill approaches, citizens are encouraged to explore financial aid offered to elderly homeowners who qualify. These include Vaughan’s Elderly Home-owners Tax Assistance Program (PDF) and York Region’s Seniors, Low-Income Seniors and Low-Income Disabled Persons Property Tax Deferral program (PDF).
The City of Vaughan continues to offer support programs and relief options to eligible seniors in the community. As the first instalment deadline for the City’s 2021 Interim Property Tax bill approaches, citizens are encouraged to explore financial aid offered to elderly homeowners who qualify. These include Vaughan’s Elderly Home-owners Tax Assistance Program (PDF) and York Region’s Seniors, Low-Income Seniors and Low-Income Disabled Persons Property Tax Deferral program (PDF).
Relief is offered to eligible seniors through the City’s Elderly Home-owners Tax Assistance Program – a tax rebate in the amount of $387 to eligible elderly homeowners. To qualify, the individual must:
- be 65 years of age or older, as of March 31, 2021.
- be the owner and occupant of the residential property for minimum of one year.
- be in receipt of the Guaranteed Income Supplement, under Part Two of Canada’s Old Age Security Act.
View additional requirements and documentation required. For interested citizens looking to apply for the 2021 tax year, the program application deadline is Wednesday, March 31, 2021. Applications can be submitted through the two drop-off boxes located at each entrance of Vaughan City Hall.
The Seniors, Low-Income Seniors and Low-Income Disabled Persons Property Tax Deferral program provides financial assistance in the form of a tax deferral to eligible citizens. To qualify, the property owner must be at least one of the following:
- a senior citizen who is at least 65 years of age
- a low-income senior between the ages of 55 and 64
- a low-income individual with a disability
The property for which the taxes are payable must be in Vaughan and owned by an eligible senior or person with a disability as a principal residence on Jan. 1 of the eligible year. View additional eligibility requirements and proper documentation needed before applying. The deadline to apply for this program is Thursday, Sept. 30, 2021.
For further information on either of these senior-support programs, contact Access Vaughan at 905-832-2281 or accessvaughan@vaughan.ca.
2021 INTERIM PROPERTY TAX BILLS
The City’s 2021 interim residential and non-residential property tax bills were mailed out to all Vaughan property owners in February with a new, updated and easy-to-read look. Instalment due dates are Thursday, March 25, Thursday, April 29 and Thursday, May 27. If the tax bill has not been received, contact the City immediately at 905-832-2281 or accessvaughan@vaughan.ca. Failure to receive a tax bill does not exempt you from paying property taxes – late payment penalties will be added. To learn more about your bill and where your tax dollars go, visit vaughan.ca/PropertyTax.
MANY PAYMENT OPTIONS AVAILABLE
- Pre-authorized payment plans: The City offers two options that include –
- *NEW* 10 instalments: In 2021, the City of Vaughan transitioned to a new tax system that changed the first automatic withdrawal date to March 1. There are only 10 withdrawals/payments for 2021 instead of the usual 11. The bill sent in February outlined the instalment dates from March 1 to July 1. Another bill will be sent in June outlining the instalment dates from Aug. 1 to Dec. 1. Your account must be at a zero balance to qualify.
- Six instalments: The interim and final billing's tax instalments are withdrawn automatically from the selected bank account on each due date. Your tax account must be at a zero balance to qualify for this program.
- Post-dated cheques: Post-dated cheques corresponding with the amounts and due dates printed on the tax stubs can be used. Please include all tax stubs with the cheques as applicable when sending to the City. A fee will apply if any post-dated cheques need to be sent back.
- Financial institutions: Taxes can be paid at all major banks either in-person, through the bank machine, online or via telephone. Payments will also be accepted from any other financial institution that will facilitate tax payments. Some financial institutions may charge a fee for this service.
- At City Hall: Drop-off boxes at each entrance of Vaughan City Hall can be used for submitting cheques. The boxes are emptied at least twice a day. Cash should not be dropped off in these boxes.
- By mail: Cheques and money orders should be made payable to the City of Vaughan and mailed to Vaughan City Hall in the return envelope enclosed with your tax bill, in addition to the payment stub. Please mail early as payments delayed in the mail and received after the due date will be subject to a penalty charge. Do not send cash through the mail.
For more information, visit vaughan.ca/PropertyTax.
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