provincial · Ontario
Seniors' transit tax credit
Ontario's Seniors' Public Transit Tax Credit gives people 65 or older up to $450 back each year on eligible public transit costs. You get 15% of up to $3,000 in transit expenses. The credit is refundable. That means you receive it even if you owe no tax.
- Verified Aug 22, 2026
- provincial program · Ontario
At a glance
- Worth:
- ≤$450/yr
- Who:
- You were 65 or older during the tax year.
- Apply:
- Official program page
What it could be worth
Amount
≤$450/yr
- 15% of eligible transit expenses, up to $3,000 in costs, for a maximum of $450 per year.
- It is a refundable credit: paid out even if you owe no Ontario tax.
Example: A senior spends $150 a month on a municipal transit pass ($1,800 a year). They claim it on the ON479. They get 15% back — $270 for the year — as part of their tax assessment, even with no tax owing.
How it benefits you
- It is refundable. The money comes back to you even if you owe no tax. A non-refundable credit only lowers tax you owe.
- You get 15% of up to $3,000 in eligible transit expenses. That is up to $450 per year.
- It covers eligible public transit costs across Ontario. This includes municipal transit and, in many areas, GO Transit and other public systems.
- You claim it on your annual tax return (Form ON-BEN / ON479). There is no separate application.
What you need to qualify or apply
Eligibility
- You were 65 or older during the tax year.
- You are an Ontario resident.
- You paid eligible public transit expenses and kept your receipts or transit records.
How to apply
- Keep receipts or records of eligible transit expenses during the year (passes, tickets, fare cards).
- File your Ontario income tax return and complete the Ontario credits forms (Form ON-BEN / ON479).
- The 15% credit (up to $3,000 in costs) is calculated on the return. Any refund is issued with your assessment.
Documents you may need
- Receipts or records of public transit expenses claimed.
- Your filed income tax return with the ON479 credits schedule.
Read more from the official source
Checked ontario.ca — Ontario Seniors' Public Transit Tax Credit · Sep 13, 2026
Amounts and rules can change — always confirm on the official source before applying.
This page is general information, not a CRA or provincial determination — amounts and rules can change. Not sure where you stand? The free benefits check walks you through it, or a Registered Social Worker can review your full situation.