CAPTR

FAQ

“Will my property taxes definitely be going up?”

Your 2008 taxes will not be affected by assessment because of the freeze on assessments in place since 2005. They will go up if your municipality spending goes up. Your 2009 taxes will be up if your 2008 assessment increases by more than the average increase for your municipality. It will also increase if municipal spending increases

“Why would my taxes go up more than the average if I haven't made any improvements to my home?”

This will happen if your assessment increase is greater than the average for your municipality

“Will my municipal services improve if my taxes go up?”

No

“How can I fight to keep my taxes from going up disproportionately?”

There are two answers. First challenge your assessment (check MPAC website for process). Secondly be sure your association is a member of CAPTR (see list of members on this website) and support our efforts to get property tax reform

“I'm on a fixed income, I've lived in my home for decades, and now I can't afford the taxes. What can I do?”

The government will give you a grant of up to $500 if you are a low income senior. You can also check with your municipality which has a program to assist in hardship cases.

“What has the government done to prevent people from being victimized by these huge tax increases?”

Last year they brought in legislation to assess every four years and phase in assessment increases over the subsequent four year period. This spreads out the pain but does not deal with the fundamental problem of volatility.

“Is the Ontario system worse than other provinces, or in other cities around the world?”

In North America, most jurisdictions use some form of market value assessment but roughly half the jurisdictions have some form of cap on assessment and/or tax increases.

“What good will it do to add my name to your petition?”

Our petition is one of the tactics we are employing to draw the governments attention to the massive concern of Ontarians with the present property tax system