For release: December 17, 2004

Mcguinty Government Brings Fairness

to Farm Property Tax System
Extends Consideration Period for Farm Property Class Tax Rate Eligibility

TORONTO - The McGuinty government is ensuring new owners of agricultural properties and others in specific situations can be considered for the Farm Property Class tax rate by extending the timeframe for eligibility consideration, Minister of Agriculture and Food Steve Peters announced today.

"Farmers told us that, in some cases, they were being penalized by an administrative process that prevented them from getting the lower tax rate," said Peters. "Allowing the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture and Food (OMAF) to consider applications up to December 31st of the tax year means that new farmers and existing owners who have missed the application deadline due to a mitigating circumstance, such as illness, can still be considered for the lower tax rate."

"It comes down to fair tax treatment for property owners," said Minister of Finance Greg Sorbara. "This change provides the flexibility for OMAF to consider property owners who meet all the eligibility requirements but who were unable to file their application on time."

The Farm Property Class is taxed at 25 per cent of the residential rate. Applications for inclusion in this class must be made when changes in ownership occur on an agricultural property.

"This extension of the date to allow late applications parallels the existing time period for making requests for reconsideration up to December 31 of the tax year," Sorbara said. "It also provides more consistency with the treatment applied to other property classes where mid-year changes in the use of a property are reflected through appropriate classification changes."

Property owners who have questions regarding their eligibility for the Farm Property Class are encouraged to call the Farm Property Class tax rate hotline at: 1-800-469-2285.

- 30 -

Contact:
Jamie Rilett
Minister Peters' Office
(416) 326-6439
(416) 458-2610 (Mobile)