Senior homeowners can begin applying for new school tax rebate

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Published on Friday, May 2, 2014

myWestman.ca

Senior homeowners can start applying this month for a new seniors' school tax rebate.

The Manitoba government says the rebate is considered the first step in its plan to eliminate school taxes for seniors by 2016.

"Seniors have spent decades helping to build Manitoba and our government is helping to make seniors' lives more affordable this year with our new seniors' school tax rebate," said finance minister Jennifer Howard in a release.  "With our new school tax rebate on top of existing education property tax credits, seniors can save up to $1,335 off their property taxes this year."

Seniors can start applying when they receive their property tax statement from their local municipality.  Residents of Brandon and several other communities will receive their property tax statements this month, while some municipalities will send out their tax bills over the summer or early fall.  To qualify for the new tax rebate, a senior must:

* own and live in their home,

* be at least 65 years of age by the end of 2014, and

* have school taxes not already fully covered by the existing Education Property Tax Credit. 

Applications and more information are available online at www.manitoba.ca/seniorsrebate or by calling the tax assistance team at 204-945-7555 in Winnipeg or at 1-855-893-8266 (toll-free). 

With files from Manitoba news release