The Alberta Property Tax Credit is more accurately known as the Property Tax Assistance Program, which is part of the broader Alberta Seniors Benefit (ASB) program. It’s a provincial financial assistance program designed to help low-income seniors (65+) and eligible individuals with disabilities offset the cost of municipal property taxes or education property taxes on their primary residence.
Here are the key details:
- Who Qualifies?
- Seniors: Alberta residents aged 65 or older.
- Persons with Disabilities: Alberta residents aged 18-64 who receive the Assured Income for the Severely Handicapped (AISH) benefit or certain federal disability benefits (like CPP Disability or DTC-eligible).
- Income Thresholds: Eligibility is based on your previous year’s income (line 23600 of your tax return). The thresholds are adjusted annually. For 2024 (based on 2023 income):
- Single applicants: Maximum income of $29,285.
- Couples (both applying): Combined maximum income of $47,545.
- Note: These thresholds decrease if you live in a designated supportive living or long-term care facility.
- Ownership & Residency: You must own and live in the property as your primary residence for at least 6 months of the year. The property must be in Alberta.
- Application: You must apply for the Alberta Seniors Benefit program. Property Tax Assistance is automatically considered if you qualify for the ASB and meet the property criteria.
- What Does it Provide?
- Cash Benefit: It’s a non-taxable, monthly cash payment added to your Alberta Seniors Benefit payment.
- Amount: The amount depends on your income, marital status, and living situation (own home vs. facility). For seniors living in their own homes in 2024:
- Maximum benefit is $1,044 per year ($87 per month).
- The benefit phases out as income increases towards the threshold.
- Retroactive: New applicants may receive retroactive payments for the current benefit year (up to 11 months).
- How to Apply:
- Apply for the Alberta Seniors Benefit (ASB) program.
- Apply online through the Alberta Seniors and Housing portal or by mail using the application form available on that site.
- If you are already receiving the ASB and start owning/occupying an eligible property, contact Alberta Seniors to update your file.
- Important Distinctions:
- NOT a Tax Deduction/Credit on your Property Tax Bill: This is a direct cash payment from the Alberta government, separate from your municipal tax bill. You still pay your full property tax bill to your municipality.
- Separate from Education Property Tax Assistance: Alberta also offers direct Education Property Tax Assistance to eligible seniors and persons with disabilities, which is a credit applied directly to the education portion of their property tax bill by their municipality. You can potentially qualify for both programs if eligible. (More info: Alberta Education Property Tax Assistance)
- Different from Renters’ Assistance: Low-income seniors may also qualify for the Special Needs Assistance for Seniors – Rent Assistance program if they rent.
- Key Takeaway:
The Alberta Property Tax Assistance Program is a vital support for low-income seniors and eligible persons with disabilities who own their primary residence, helping them manage the burden of property taxes through direct monthly cash assistance.
Where to Get More Info & Apply:
- Official Alberta Government Page: Alberta Seniors Benefit (includes Property Tax Assistance)
- Contact Alberta Seniors:
- Toll-free: 1-877-644-9992
- Edmonton: 780-427-7876
Always refer to the official Alberta government website or contact them directly for the most current income thresholds, benefit amounts, and application details.
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