Nova Scotia issues tax refunds for low-income seniors
Posted Aug 28, 2026 12:15:07 PM.
Last Updated Aug 28, 2026 12:14:50 PM.
The province sent tax refunds to around 20,000 low-income seniors through a unique tax refund program only available in Nova Scotia.
The average refund for those eligible is $1,532, for a total of $30.6 million.
“Everyone is concerned about affordability and, for our low-income seniors, every dollar makes a difference,” said Barbara Adams, Minister of Seniors and Long-Term Care, on behalf of John Lohr, Minister of Finance and Treasury Board. “We’re happy to give this money back to the people who need it most. They’ll put it to good use.”
Seniors in Nova Scotia who receive the federal Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS) and pay provincial income tax are eligible to receive a refund on their provincial tax.
The number of eligible seniors has gone up from 8,410 recipients in 2020 to about 20,000 in 2025. This is due to Nova Scotia’s aging population and changes to the federal GIS earnings exemption that allow more seniors to work while receiving GIS benefits.
The Province assesses eligibility and processes refunds based on tax returns. Seniors do not have to apply for this refund, but they must file a tax return every year to qualify. Those who did not file a return for the 2025 taxation year, but who are eligible, can still receive the refund when they file a tax return.
