In an effort to help seniors in need, Council approved town staff’s recommendation to participate in Halton Region’s Older Adult Full Property Tax Deferral Program (OATDP), a new financial assistance program designed to help eligible, low-income seniors by deferring their property taxes. The program will start July 1, 2016.
“Council recognizes that many low-income seniors require additional assistance to stay in their homes,” Mayor Burton said. “This program is one way we can support vulnerable citizens in Oakville and create a more livable, sustainable community for all residents.”
To be considered for the program, applicants must be 65 years or older and have a combined income under $44,800. Residents who wish to take part in this program will be required to apply on an annual basis.
On March 23, Halton Region passed a by-law to implement the OATDP for eligible seniors. By joining the program, the Town of Oakville is now responsible for deferring taxes and performing all aspects of the program for our community. Town staff, along with their counterparts at other Halton municipalities have been working in partnership with the region to establish a model, policies and procedures to deliver this program successfully at the local level.
With the adoption of the OATDP, the town now offers three programs to financially assist low-income, senior property owners. The other existing programs include the Partial Property Tax Deferral Program, and Oakville Seniors Rebate Program, each with their own specific eligibility criteria. Eligible individuals can participate in only one of these three programs. Residents will receive details on these programs with their final tax bill and can also find information on the Rebates and Assistance page at oakville.ca.
Residents are encouraged to call the town’s Tax department at 905-338-4222 with any questions or to set up an appointment to discuss each program’s eligibility criteria to determine which program will best suit their needs.