What are the top tax credits in Ontario for 2026?
This guide covers the main tax credits and benefits for Ontario residents in 2026: what they are, who qualifies and how you get them. Amounts are for the July 2026 to June 2027 benefit year, which is based on your 2026 tax return. They are indexed every year, so check the Government of Ontario website for changes.
Ontario Trillium Benefit (OTB)
The Ontario Trillium Benefit (OTB) combines three credits into one payment: the Ontario Energy and Property Tax Credit, the Northern Ontario Energy Credit and the Ontario Sales Tax Credit.
Ontario Energy and Property Tax Credit (OEPTC)
The OEPTC helps low- to moderate-income residents with energy costs and property tax. You can qualify if you lived in Ontario on December 31, 2026 and paid rent, property tax or home energy costs for your main residence in 2026. For July 2026 to June 2027 the maximum is $1,307 for ages 18 to 64 and $1,488 for age 65 and older.
Northern Ontario Energy Credit (NOEC)
The NOEC helps residents of Northern Ontario with higher home energy costs. You must have lived in Northern Ontario on December 31, 2026 and paid rent, property tax or home energy costs. The maximum is $189 for a single person and $290 for a family.
Calculate your taxes with our free tax calculator.
Use our Canada income tax calculator for 2026 to quickly estimate your tax refund or the amount you owe.
Ontario Sales Tax Credit (OSTC)
The OSTC gives tax-free payments to offset the sales tax paid by low- to moderate-income residents. The maximum for July 2026 to June 2027 is $378 for each adult and each child in the family. It is reduced when your adjusted family net income is above a threshold. You do not apply separately: it is calculated from your tax return.
Other Key Credits and Benefits in Ontario
Ontario Child Benefit (OCB)
The OCB is a tax-free payment that helps low- to moderate-income families with the costs of raising children under 18. It is paid monthly with the Canada Child Benefit. The amount depends on your adjusted family net income.
Ontario Senior Homeowners' Property Tax Grant (OSHPTG)
The OSHPTG helps eligible seniors with low to moderate incomes pay their property tax. You must have been 64 or older on December 31, 2026 to apply with your 2026 return. The maximum grant is $500.
Applying for Tax Credits
Most of these credits are claimed through your annual income tax and benefit return. Form ON-BEN is the application for the Ontario Trillium Benefit and the Ontario Senior Homeowners' Property Tax Grant, and it is filed with your return. The OSTC and OCB are calculated automatically from your tax information.
Payment Schedule
OTB payments are usually issued monthly on the 10th, starting in July. If your yearly entitlement is small, you may get it as one lump sum in June instead. The OSHPTG is usually issued four to eight weeks after your notice of assessment.
Conclusion: Make Sure You File
Many Ontario credits are based on your tax return, so filing on time is the way to receive them, even if you had little or no income. Check the Government of Ontario and CRA websites for the latest amounts.
General information only, not tax, legal or financial advice. This website is not affiliated with the Government of Canada, the CRA or the Government of Ontario.
If you want to know other articles similar to What are the top tax credits in Ontario for 2026?y ou can visit the category Tax Benefits by Province.
Leave a Reply