Manitobans may notice a new property tax credit on their bills this year.
The Homeowners Affordability Tax Credit (HATC) has replaced the Education Property Tax Credit (EPTC) and will offer homeowners –– including condominium and mobile home owners –– a rebate equal to the lesser of $1,500 or the gross school taxes on their principal residence.
That means if a property’s gross school taxes are less than $1,500, the credit will match that lower amount. If they are higher, the homeowner will receive the full $1,500.
A provincial spokesperson said the change focuses on providing additional school tax relief for homes with lower and mid-range assessed values. The HATC was implemented in early 2025, benefiting Manitobans for the upcoming property tax year.
If homeowners already received the EPTC, they will automatically receive the HATC –– assuming they have not moved. The HATC was or will be applied to the tax statement depending on when each municipality mails them out.
“Regardless of whether a homeowner has received their tax statement already or not, there is still an opportunity to claim the HATC for the current year,” added the provincial spokesperson.
Homeowners needing to declare their principal residence –– including those who have recently moved –– can apply within their municipality by Nov. 15, 2025, to receive the credit for the year. If the tax statement has already been sent out, eligible applicants will receive an adjustment to their tax owing or a refund cheque. Homeowners can also claim the HATC on their personal income tax return if they did not receive the credit on their property tax statement or as a credit on their account.
If a homeowner owns more than one residence, they cannot claim the credit twice. Only one owner can claim the credit if two owners live on the same property. Renters are not eligible for the HATC but can claim the Renters Affordability Tax Credit.
The Province of Manitoba has been communicating with residents about the HATC through municipal news and provincial bulletins, striving to inform as many eligible property owners as possible.
More information about the HATC is available at www.gov.mb.ca/finance/tao/hatc, including how to check if you have declared your principal residence for the credit.
