Managed Forest Tax Incentive Program

Tax reduction to eligible landowners who prepare and follow an approved Managed Forest Plan.

Deadline

June 30, 2026

Amount

No Maximum

Type

Tax Incentive

Provider

Government of Ontario

Funding Details

Tax Exemption:

  • When your forested area is enrolled in the program, it is:
    • Classified as managed forest
    • Taxed at 25% of the municipal residential property tax rate
  • Deadline to add new lands to the program to qualify for the following taxation year is June 30
    • Five-year progress reports are due by July 31 of your fifth year in the program
    • Renewal plans are due by July 31 of your tenth year in the program

Eligibility:

  • To be eligible, land must:
    • Be owned by a Canadian citizen or permanent resident, or a Canadian business, trust or conservation authority
    • Have at least 4 hectares (9.88 acres) of forest on a single property in Ontario on one municipal roll number
    • Have a minimum number of trees per hectare
  • You must hire a Managed Forest Plan Approver to prepare or approve a Managed Forest Plan for the forest on your property – this plan describes how you will manage your forest responsibly over a 10 year period
  • To enroll in the program, your Managed Forest Plan Approver submits your plan to the ministry
  • You need to follow your Managed Forest Plan and submit a progress report in the fifth year of your plan
  • After 10 years, you can renew your participation in the program with a new approved Managed Forest Plan

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