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Source verified August 11, 2026
Managed Forest Tax Incentive Program
Property tax reduction for eligible forest landowners
Latest source updateLast Update: April 20, 2026Latest change: The program page now uses updated application steps, deadlines, contact details, and renewal and transfer instructions.View change
Latest source update
Last Update: April 20, 2026
Latest change: The program page now uses updated application steps, deadlines, contact details, and renewal and transfer instructions.
Managed Forest Tax Incentive Program updated
The Managed Forest Tax Incentive Program page was substantially updated with a new application flow, including revised steps for working with a Managed Forest Plan Approver, submitting documents, and renewing participation after 10 years. It also adds clearer deadlines for progress reports, renewals, and ownership transfers, along with updated contact, portal, and assessment information. The core tax benefit remains the same, but the guidance now more explicitly explains who is eligible, how to apply, and what happens when property ownership changes.
Funding available
Up to 25% of project cost
Deadline
Open continuously
Location
Ontario, Canada
Overview
The Managed Forest Tax Incentive Program provides a property tax reduction for eligible forest landowners in Ontario. It supports approved Managed Forest Plans for forest stewardship, including plan preparation, progress reporting and renewal.
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Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Implement environmental initiatives
- Ensure financial sustainability
Eligible Funding
- Up to 25% of project cost
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- All industries
Location
- Ontario
Legal structures
- For-profit business
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- All organization sizes
Audience
- Rural or Northern Residents
- Canadians
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
Activities funded
- Tree planting of native tree species, tending, thinning, pruning and harvesting
- Recreational activities such as hiking, skiing or hunting
- Wildlife management involving habitat work or participating in monitoring programs
- Protecting environmentally sensitive areas by limiting disturbance
- Learning about your forest
Documents Needed
- Completed application form
- Most recent Property Assessment Notice for each property
- Landowner Report form
Official resources
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- Canadian citizens or permanent residents.
- Canadian businesses, trusts or conservation authorities.
Who is not eligible
- Properties licensed under the Aggregate Resources Act or zoned for aggregate extraction.
- Properties owned by the municipal, provincial or federal government that pay grants in lieu of taxes.
Ineligible Costs and Activities
- High-grading or diameter limit cutting
- Pasturing livestock
- Removing soil from the forest
- Continued inactivity that degrades the health of the forest
Eligible geographic areas
- Ontario
How to apply
- Review the program guide to find out if your forest is eligible.
- Hire a Managed Forest Plan Approver from the Managed Forest Plan Approver list and schedule a field visit to begin preparing your plan.
- Provide your approver with a completed application form and a copy of the most recent property assessment notice for each property.
- When your plan is complete and approved, your approver will submit your plan and accompanying documents to us online.
Processing and Agreement
- You will receive a confirmation notice by mail or email, usually in late fall of the year you apply.
- You will receive an updated Property Assessment Notice from MPAC showing the change in your property’s Realty Tax Class.
- Your plan is in effect beginning January 1 the following year after you apply.
- Your municipality will credit you for any overpayment you make during the first part of the year.
Contacts
Frequently Asked Questions about the Managed Forest Tax Incentive Program Program
What is the Managed Forest Tax Incentive Program?
The Managed Forest Tax Incentive Program provides a property tax reduction for eligible forest landowners in Ontario. It supports approved Managed Forest Plans for forest stewardship, including plan preparation, progress reporting and renewal.
How much funding can be received?
Managed Forest Tax Incentive Program Funds up to 25% of admissible expenses.
Who is eligible for the Managed Forest Tax Incentive Program program?
To be eligible for the Managed Forest Tax Incentive Program program, you must:
The land must be owned by a Canadian citizen or permanent resident, or a Canadian business, trust or conservation authority.
The property must have at least 4 hectares of forest on a single property in Ontario on one municipal roll number.
The forest must have a minimum number of trees per hectare.
What expenses are eligible under Managed Forest Tax Incentive Program?
Tree planting of native tree species, tending, thinning, pruning and harvesting
Recreational activities such as hiking, skiing or hunting
Wildlife management involving habitat work or participating in monitoring programs
Protecting environmentally sensitive areas by limiting disturbance
Learning about your forest
Who can I contact for more information about the Managed Forest Tax Incentive Program?
You can contact Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry (ON) (MNRF) by email at MFTIP@ontario.ca or by phone at 1-855-866-3847.
Where is the Managed Forest Tax Incentive Program available?
The Managed Forest Tax Incentive Program program is available the province of Ontario.
Is the Managed Forest Tax Incentive Program a grant, loan, or tax credit?
Managed Forest Tax Incentive Program is a Tax Credits