News Release Archive
FINANCE--SALES TAX ASSISTANCE FOR PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES ----------------------------------------------------------------- Finance Minister Bill Gillis has announced the details of a program to maintain tax rebates for individuals with mobility and communication disabilities. The rebate, which is currently available under the Health Services Tax Act, is designed for persons who require specially adapted motor vehicles for personal transportation or for those who may require a computer as a communication device. The new program will cost approximately $215,000, which is the same as the current rebate program available under the Health Services Tax Act. In addition, Dr. Gillis announced that the province will be contributing half a million dollars a year as it's share of the new tax measures for persons with disabilities announced last week by the federal government. "The Government of Nova Scotia is trying to make sure the tax system works for those who have disabilities. We recognize the additional costs that persons with disabilities face merely as a result of their disability and we believe that the tax system can be one mechanism to respond to their needs." "Provincial and federal tax relief initiatives will help provide the opportunity for greater independence for people with disabilities," said John MacEachern, Minister responsible for the Disabled Persons Commission Act. "They will also provide fair tax treatment for the disabled as requested in the recent federal task force report." The tax rebate for both vehicles and computers is the eight per cent provincial portion of the HST, the two per cent Transitional Tax on the purchase of a new or used vehicle, and the 15 per cent Provincial Sales Tax on the private purchase of used vehicles. The limits on the rebates remain at $3,000 for a vehicle and $300 for a computer. The cost of the program is estimated to be $185,000 for motor vehicles and $30,000 for personal computers. In the case of a motor vehicle, the program is designed to assist people who have lost the use of both lower limbs. With personal computers, the program helps those with severe communication disabilities, such as people who are blind or deaf. Applications can be made for the tax rebates through the Nova Scotia Tax Commission. The federal budget measures announced last week call for a significant increase in assistance for people with disabilities through improvements to the income tax system. The federal government will allow a medical expense credit for 20 per cent of the cost of a wheelchair accessible van, up to a limit of $5,000. This credit will also apply to Nova Scotia personal income taxes. Nova Scotia will provide approximately $500,000 in tax relief under these measures. "We applaud the federal efforts, and are pleased to be making our own significant investment in assisting persons with disabilities attain full social and economic independence," said Dr. Gillis. -30- Contact: Bruce Cameron 902-424-8787 trp Feb. 27, 1997 - 1:20 p.m.