Check if you qualify for a tax rebate or deferral

You may be able to reduce, delay or get a rebate on your property taxes if you meet certain conditions.

On this page:

1. Appeal your taxes
2. Apply for a tax deferral
3. Apply for a charity rebate
4. Provincial programs
5. Contact us

Appeal your taxes

You can appeal to cancel or reduce your property taxes if:

• a property could not be used for at least three months in the year because of repairs or renovations
• the use of a non-residential property has changed since the last revised assessment roll
• a property has gained exempt status since the last revised assessment roll
• there has been a fire or demolition in a building
• there is a serious error in the assessment

You must apply by the end of February of the following year. For serious errors, you can appeal taxes from up to two years before the current tax year.

Apply online

You'll need this information to complete the online form:

• your property tax roll number
• the property's address
• your name, contact information and mailing address
• the names of all property owners

If a company or corporation owns the property, also include a copy of your Articles of Incorporation or Property Management Agreement.

Apply for a tax appeal

Other ways to apply

Complete the form in person at City Hall.

Apply for a tax deferral

Seniors who receive the Guaranteed Income Supplement and people receiving Ontario Disability Support may qualify for a property tax deferral.

To apply:

• download the tax deferral form (PDF)
• submit your form by email to revenue@waterloo.ca, by fax to 519-747-8760, by mail, or in person at City Hall

Read the Region of Waterloo policy document (PDF) for program details.

Apply for a charity rebate

Eligible charities and similar organizations that occupy commercial or industrial property may qualify for a rebate of 50% of property taxes paid (directly or through lease payments).

You can only apply for a rebate for the previous taxation year. The request deadline is the last day of February of the year following the taxation year. 

Apply online:

You’ll need this information to complete the online form:

• your organization's charitable registration number and a copy of your notification of registration from the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA)
• if your organization is a not-for-profit, your most recent financial statement(s) and a copy of your charter
• the address of the leased or owned property
• names of all property owners and their contact information
• your name and mailing address, and a phone number and email that we can use to reach you
• a copy of your current lease showing how much of your lease rate is for property taxes
• an invoice from your landlord showing the amount you are billed for property taxes
• the total square footage of the property and the amount of square footage you occupy
• a diagram or floor plan image showing your organization's location within the property

Apply for a charity rebate

Other ways to apply:

Complete the form in person at City Hall.

Requirements are set out in the Region of Waterloo Bylaw 98-049. Contact the Region of Waterloo for more information.

Provincial programs

You may also qualify for help through provincial programs:

• Senior Homeowners’ Property Tax Grant provides low-to-moderate income seniors up to $500 off their property taxes
• Ontario Energy and Property Tax Credit provides help with taxes for individuals age 18 and over