Ontario Managed Forest Tax Incentive Program (MFTIP)
Certain forestlands in Ontario may be privately owned, but they benefit all Ontarians. The Ontario Managed Forest Tax Incentive Program recognizes the importance of these lands. The goal of the MFTIP program is to bring greater fairness to the property tax system by valuing forestland according to its current use. The program is designed to increase landowner awareness about forest stewardship.
Landowners who apply and qualify for the program have their property classified and assessed as managed forest under the managed forest property class. The land is taxed at 25 percent of the municipal tax rate set for residential properties.
MFTIP is a voluntary program and in order to be eligible, landowners must own at least 4 hectares of forested property, must prepare a Managed Forest Plan and have it approved by a certified
Managed Forest Plan Approver, and commit to good forest stewardship.
Need more information?
The Ontario Woodlot Association and the Ontario Forestry Association assist the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources deliver the MFTIP program.
We can provide you with information about the MFTIP program, including a program guide and application, by calling us toll free at 1-888-791-1103 ext. 221. Or, a copy of the program guide “Ontario Managed Forest Tax Incentive Program Guide (Updated January 2006)” and application can be downloaded from the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources’ website.
MFTIP applications (including a copy of the approved managed plan) must be submitted by June 30th to have your property tax classification changed to managed forest for the following year. Applications can be submitted to:
Ontario Woodlot Association
275 County Road 44
Kemptville, ON
K0G 1J0.
Assessment of Managed Forest Properties
For more information on how managed forest properties are assessed, refer to the fact sheet “Backgrounders and Questions and Answers – Assessment of Managed Forest Properties” posted on the Municipal Property Assessment Corporation’s Web site.
