Starting July 2012, the Ontario Trillium Benefit (OTB) combines, into one monthly payment, the
Through these refundable tax credits, Ontario provides relief to low- to moderate-income Ontarians to:
- help pay for energy costs
- provide relief for sales tax and property tax
The Ontario Trillium Benefit makes payments to Ontarians earlier and more frequently than before. This approach ensures that the payments better match when people incur these costs. In the past, most tax credits were paid once a year, after people filed their tax returns.
Monthly or lump sum payments
Ontario is listening to people who want more choice in how they receive their Ontario Trillium Benefit payments. The province is exploring options that would allow tax filers, starting next year, to choose between monthly payments or a lump sum. Be sure you file your taxes to get the tax credits you deserve this year.
For this year, the Ontario Trillium Benefit will be paid in 12 instalments, beginning in July. This payment schedule was introduced last year to give people more predictable and more frequent payments to help them manage their monthly bills.
Eligible Ontarians have already received most of the payments for the 2011 Ontario Sales Tax Credit, Ontario Energy and Property Tax Credit and Northern Ontario Energy Credit. The next payments of these credits will be made in May and June 2012.
To apply for this monthly benefit, eligible Ontarians need to file a personal income tax return – even if they did not earn any income.
Monthly cheques vs. Direct deposit
If you receive your income tax refund by direct deposit, you will receive your Ontario Trillium Benefit payments by direct deposit if you qualify. Otherwise, you will receive your payments by cheque. You may cash your cheque at many Canadian banks at no cost.
Am I eligible?
How do I apply?
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