New Property Tax Deferral Program for Low-Income Senior Citizens Allow Homeowners to Defer Future Tax Increase

Saskatoon’s low-income senior citizens will now be able defer payment on the municipal and library portions of their property tax through a new tax deferral program.

The Property Tax Deferral Program for Low-Income Senior Citizen Homeowners begins this year, and based on 2006 Census data, has the potential to provide assistance to approximately 690 Saskatoon households.

With this program, if City and Library taxes increase from one year to the next, approved applicants can defer payment of these annual increases until the residential property is sold or ownership is transferred.

The goal of the program is to assist older residents in a way that may allow them to remain in their homes longer, thereby enhancing their quality of life.

The program is funded by a levy applied to all residential properties.

To qualify for the program, applicants must be 65 years of age or older, own and reside in a single-family home, townhouse, or apartment condominium in Saskatoon, and meet the program’s income requirements, which can vary from year to year, based on data from Statistics Canada.

Homeowners wishing to participate must submit an application and proof of income by October 31, 2012. Applications must be submitted each year to remain in the program.

For more information on the program and the application form, click here.

Application forms are also available at City Hall, City Leisure Centres, Libraries, and local senior centres located throughout Saskatoon, or by calling the City directly at 975-2400.