Effective January 1, 2019, the non-refundable Low-income Individuals and Families Tax (LIFT) Credit provides up to $850 in Ontario Personal Income Tax relief to low-income Ontario taxpayers who have employment income, including those earning minimum wage. Learn more.

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Starting with the 2019 tax year, a Childcare Access and Relief from Expenses (CARE) Tax Credit will be available to Ontario families. Learn more.

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Below you’ll find a list of provincial tax credits and benefits available to single people and families in Ontario, including single parent families, seniors and First Nations.

Eligibility

To receive these tax credits and benefits you must:

• be an Ontario resident
• file a personal income tax return, even if you didn’t earn any taxable income

The amount of money you could get is based on a number of factors, including the size of your family, where you live, your age and income.

Maximum amounts of some credits/benefits will increase over time with inflation. View the current Personal Income Tax rates and credits chart for a summary of most Ontario tax credits and benefits, including amounts.

Benefits

• Ontario Child Benefit
• Ontario Guaranteed Annual Income System (GAINS)
• Ontario Senior Homeowners’ Property Tax Grant
• Ontario Trillium Benefit

Refundable Tax Credits

The following refundable tax credits help reduce or eliminate the amount of tax you owe. Excess credits may be paid as a refund after your personal income tax return is assessed — even if you pay no income tax.

• Ontario Focused Flow-Through Share Tax Credit
• Ontario Seniors’ Public Transit Tax Credit
• Political Contribution Tax Credit

The three credits listed below are based on information reported on your previous year’s income tax return. These credits are combined and paid as the Ontario Trillium Benefit.

• Northern Ontario Energy Credit
• Ontario Energy and Property Tax Credit
• Ontario Sales Tax Credit

To apply for these tax credits and benefits, complete forms ON479 Ontario Credits and ON-BEN.

Non-refundable Tax Credits

Non-refundable tax credits help you reduce or eliminate the amount of income tax you owe. Excess non-refundable credits do not create a tax refund.

Most Ontario non-refundable tax credits are similar to federal non-refundable tax credits, although the amounts may differ. The rules for claiming these credits are the same as the rules for the federal tax credits.

Non-refundable tax credits are claimed on your ON428 Ontario Tax form and explained in your income tax package.

You can also read about the following credits:

• Community Food Program Donation Tax Credit
• Community Small Business Investment Fund Program
• Dividend Tax Credit
• Labour Sponsored Investment Funds Program
• Ontario Tax Reduction

Other Ontario Programs

• Ontario Electricity Support Program
• Ontario Opportunities Fund

View other government benefit programs for Ontario residents

Federal Programs and Benefits for Individuals and Families