Is there a tax credit for seniors who use public transit in Ontario?
Ontario previously had a Seniors' Public Transit Tax Credit under provincial law, which allowed eligible seniors to claim a credit for public transit costs. However, provincial tax credit programs are subject to budget changes, and availability and exact terms can shift from year to year. Always confirm whether this credit remains active in its current form on the Ontario Ministry of Finance's website before filing.
At the federal level, the transit tax credit was eliminated in 2017 and has not been restored for the general population. There is no general federal transit credit currently available to Ontario residents.
If you are an Ontario senior seeking transit credits, the best approach is to check the current edition of Form ON479 and the Ontario 428 instructions for the tax year you are filing. Your tax software will also populate credits you are eligible for based on current rules. More broadly, seniors may also benefit from the Ontario Trillium Benefit and other senior-specific credits that offset the general cost of living, even if a standalone transit credit is no longer available in the same form.
Key takeaways
- The federal public transit credit was eliminated in 2017
- Ontario had a seniors' transit credit — verify its current status on the Ontario Ministry of Finance website before filing
- Form ON479 and current Ontario tax instructions are the authoritative source each year
- Ontario Trillium Benefit provides broader cost-of-living support for lower-income seniors