Nova Scotia Property Tax Rebate for Seniors: 2026 Program Now Open

The Province of Nova Scotia's Property Tax Rebate for Seniors Program opened for applications on July 1, 2026, good news for eligible low-income seniors looking for relief on their municipal property taxes. Applications are accepted annually from July 1 through December 31 each year.

What Is the Program?

Administered by Service Nova Scotia (through Access Nova Scotia), the program is designed to help low-income seniors remain in their homes by offsetting the cost of municipal residential property taxes. It is a provincial rebate program, not a municipal one, and has been running for several years, benefiting approximately 15,500 seniors annually across Nova Scotia.

• Rebate amount: 50% of the prior year's municipal property taxes paid, up to a maximum of $800
• No fee to apply
• Pre-populated forms are mailed to returning applicants; first-time applicants must complete a fresh application form

Who Qualifies?

To be eligible, applicants must meet all of the following criteria:

• Property taxes paid in full - your 2025 municipal residential property taxes must be paid in full and registered in your name
• Primary residence - you must have lived at the property as your principal residence in 2025; seasonal, cottage, or investment properties do not qualify
• GIS recipient - you must receive or be eligible to receive the Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS) or the Allowance from Service Canada as of July 1, 2026 (generally age 65+)
• Homeowner - you must be the registered owner or co-owner on the property title

Tip for clients: If you're unsure whether you qualify for GIS or the Allowance, call Service Canada at 1-800-277-9914.

Documents Required

Most applicants will need:

• Completed application form (both sides)
• Property tax bill and receipt(s), or a Municipal Property Tax Sheet

Note: A property tax bill/receipt is not required for residents in many municipalities, including Halifax Regional Municipality, Cape Breton Regional Municipality, West Hants Regional Municipality, Municipality of the County of Kings, Town of Bridgewater, and many others — the province retrieves that data directly.

How to Apply

Applications can be submitted in several ways:

1. Online - printable application available at novascotia.ca/apply-property-tax-rebate-property-tax-rebate-seniors
2. In person - drop off at any Access Nova Scotia office
3. By mail - Property Tax Rebate for Seniors, PO Box 283, Halifax CRO, Halifax, NS, B3J 2N7
4. By phone to request a paper form:
   • Halifax Regional Municipality (HRM): 902-424-5200
   • Outside HRM (toll-free): 1-800-670-4357

A Note From Our Office

Paper application forms will be arriving at our office within the next few weeks. If you or someone you know would like a paper copy, give us a call or send an email and we'll have one ready for you. We're happy to help our senior clients access every program available to them.

Deadline Reminder

The application window closes December 31, 2026. While there's no rush, it's best not to wait until the holidays — getting the paperwork done early ensures you don't miss out on up to $800 in savings.

Tags: Nova Scotia seniors, property tax rebate, Service Nova Scotia, GIS, low-income seniors, municipal property tax, Access Nova Scotia, senior homeowner programs Nova Scotia 2026