Time is running out for eligible Port Hawkesbury homeowners to apply for a property tax exemption that could save them up to $350 this year.
The Town’s Low Income Property Tax Exemption Program is available to assessed owners of residential property whose total household income is $27,000 or less annually. The exemption, established under the Municipal Government Act, is designed to ease the financial burden of property taxes for residents on limited incomes.
According to Town of Port Hawkesbury Taxation and Utility Clerk, Tiffany Savoury, the program has been helping local residents for about a decade and continues to grow in popularity.
“It’s really good actually. I have a bigger turn-out this year than I did last year,” Savoury said. “That’s why we post it up on the Facebook page. I like to try and get as many people as possible. If we can help someone, why not?”
The increase in applications comes in part because the Town expanded eligibility in 2024 and the income threshold increased by $3,000. In addition to that, the maximum exemption rose.
“It did start off as a $200 credit and is now up to a $350 credit, which does help some people a lot because it covers pretty much all of their taxes for them,” Savoury explained.
While the application process is straightforward, Savoury says there is one document applicants often overlooked.
“I actually need the Notice of Assessment from Revenue Canada to be able to put the [application] through.” She added that staff use the third line showing total taxable income when determining eligibility.
For residents who aren’t sure if they qualify, Savoury encourages them to reach out before the deadline rather than assume they are ineligible. “Call me. I don’t mind looking and helping, and if I can get someone a credit, then that’s a good day,” she said.
Application forms are available at the Port Hawkesbury Town Office.
