In 2024 and the years prior, owners of residential property were entitled to a $350 tax credit applied against tax bills for their primary residence. Beginning in the 2025 tax year, this credit has been converted to the Homeowners Affordability Tax Credit (HATC) worth up to $1,500. This credit has been increased in 2026 to be up to $1,600. 

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​​The HATC provides certain property owners with a reduction of up to a maximum of $1,600 of the school tax portion of their tax bill. For example, if your total school taxes for the year were $800, this amount would be reduced to zero. Alternatively, if your school taxes were $2,000 then it would be reduced to $400.

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For those that owned the property in 2024 (or earlier) and were receiving the previous $350 tax credit directly on their tax bill, you should see this converted to HATC on your 2025 tax bill. Tax bills are sent out to property owners in the spring, and it is important to review your tax bill carefully to ensure that the rebate has been applied correctly.

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For individuals that did not have the previous tax credit applied or if you have purchased in the last year, you need to ensure that you "opt in" to receive the credit (if you are eligible). Depending on where you own the property, different municipalities, towns and cities have different policies and procedures. 

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- In Brandon, for example, you apply online by filling out the form available on the city's website: https://onlineservices.brandon.ca/updateinfo.aspx

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- In Winnipeg, you must complete and submit a form to confirm your eligibility:

https://assessment.winnipeg.ca/AsmtTax/English/Property/credit.stm

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- In some municipalities, it is as simple as calling their office and confirming over the phone, while others will provide you with a prescribed form to complete in order to claim the credit. A copy of the form can be downloaded and printed here: 

https://www.gov.mb.ca/mr/mfas/pubs/principal_residence_declaration_form-pdf.pdf​

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The timing of applying for the tax credit to ensure it shows up on your current year's tax bill is imperative. You must apply for the tax credit prior to the tax bills being sent to property owners which is why the deadline to apply in most municipalities will be April 15, 2026. ​

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If you do not see the tax credit directly on your property tax bill, or if the deadline to have it applied in your municipality has passed, you will be able to claim the tax credit on your 2026 income taxes. Even if you are required to claim the 2026 credit on your income taxes, it is important that you contact your municipality to ensure that the appropriate credit appears directly on your 2027 tax bill. 

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