Frequently Asked Questions - Retroactive Grant

Questions:

	What is the deadline for applying for the home owner grant?
	I moved off the property at the end of last year. The taxes are not paid and the property is about to be sold. Am I eligible to claim last year's grant?
	I forgot to apply for the grant last year. I moved in January and have now sold the house. Can I still apply for the grant for last year?
	I forgot to apply for the grant last year, and I paid the full amount of the property taxes. Can I get two home owner grants this year?
	I claimed this year's grant, but I didn't claim it in past years. Can I claim grants now for those years?
	Can I apply for last year's grant if I bought the property last year and moved in on January 1? I didn't claim the grant on another property last year.

Answers:

The deadline is December 31 of the current year. However, after the deadline, you have a year to apply for an extension to claim a retroactive home owner grant. You must provide a written explanation for missing the deadline, and a completed and signed Retroactive Home Owner Grant Application must accompany your letter.

Yes, if you can confirm in writing and provide documentation that you owned and occupied the property up to and including December 31. An example of acceptable documentation would be a December telephone bill showing you were still living on the property.

No, even though you met the requirements of living on the property as at December 31, you are no longer eligible to claim the grant as you are no longer the owner or occupant of the property. You must be a registered owner or eligible occupant (which includes an eligible occupant of an eligible apartment, housing unit, land cooperative or multi-dwelling leased parcel) to apply for the grant.

You can apply for a retroactive grant for the previous year, providing an explanation for the lateness of your application. You will have to provide proof that you were living on the property as at December 31.

You must complete a separate application form for the current year Home Owner Grant.

The legislation allows for only a 12-month extension in which to apply. For example, in 2008, you can claim only the 2007 grant retroactively. This time restriction applies to both the basic and additional grants.

No, you must have lived on the property on December 31 of the year for which you are making the application.