As a result of Manitoba’s new Homeowner’s Affordability Tax Credit, the majority of homeowners will pay less property taxes going forward. 

The new system was announced as part of the Province's Budget 2024 release on Monday,

Leo Deurbrouck Jr. Of Leo’s Mobile Tax Service says the new NDP government is phasing out the existing combination of credits and rebates in favour of a new, flat credit. 

“The only thing that maintains on your tax return is the senior's property tax rebate. Everything else [related to education property tax] is abolished and what they're actually adding in is called the Homeowners Affordability Tax credit, which will provide $1,500 for your principal residence, so the place where you live, not a rental property or anything like that.” 

As the method of collecting education tax will remain linked to the value of your house, Deurbrouck says this change will benefit people will less valuable homes. 

“If you have a really nice, super supreme house, you pay like $5,000 in school tax and you get a credit of $1,500. But if you live in a box, you only pay like $2,000 in school tax, and get a credit of $1,500, you’re only paying $500. 

Based on current averages, Duerbrouck says the vast majority of Manitoban homeowners will pay less and not more.  

“I would expect that 70% of Manitobans will pay less property taxes than they are paying now. Like I said, the existing credit is only $350 and then they provided up to 50% of the school tax rebate back and I'd say that on the average $250,000 home, your school taxes are about $1,500, so you may end up paying no school tax in some situations.” 

Duerbrouck says this Homeowner’s Affordability Tax Credit will be rolled into your tax filing.  

“In the past, you would have gotten a little green check for your Manitoba Education tax credit. Now they're changing it. It's all something you would elect and file when you do your tax.” 

The flat-rate, tax credit will come into play next tax season in 2025. 

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