Taxation

The amount of tax you pay is calculated based on the following formula: “Assessed value of a property” x “Tax rate”

There are two parts to the tax rate:

• The municipal tax rate, which is set by your municipal governments (Dufferin County and the local municipality that you reside in)
• The education tax rate, which is set by the provincial government

A municipality can set different tax rates for different property classes. The main classes include residential, farm, multi-residential, commercial and industrial.

The property assessment or current value assessment of a parcel is established by the Municipal Property Assessment Corporation (MPAC). Dufferin County is not responsible for any aspect of property assessment. To find out the value of your property, to appeal, or for further information on how your assessment is calculated please contact MPAC.

The tax rate is established annually and is based on budgetary requirements for the local municipality, Dufferin County, and education (as set by the province). The tax rate is expressed as a percentage of a property’s assessed value. Each property class has its own tax rate. The tax rate is multiplied by the assessed value, resulting in the amount of property taxes payable for the year.

Ratios are used to distribute taxation across all property classes. Ratios are set annually by the County keeping within ranges of fairness set by the Province. Sub-class reductions are used to enable reductions in taxes for vacant properties versus occupied properties.

Owners of residential or farm properties who are low income may qualify for the Tax Relief for Low Income Seniors and Low Income Persons with Disabilities program.

A person is eligible if, at the time of making the application, they are:

• 65 years of age or older and in receipt of the guaranteed income supplement as outlined in the Old Age Security Act.  To verify whether you receive the GIS, contact Service Canada at 1-800-277-9914.  MUST provide a copy of GIS/GAINS letter

  OR

• Eligible for or in receipt of an allowance, benefits or income support as a disabled person or as a person with a disability as outlined in the Family Benefits Act or the Ontario Disability Support Program Act.  MUST provide a copy of ODSP letter or equivalent proof of enrollment

  AND

• A person who has owned real property within the County of Dufferin for at least one year immediately preceding the date of the application

  AND

• A tax increase in excess of $50.00 was imposed on your property

If you feel you meet the above criteria and would benefit from this program, please click here for the application form.