This is more of a rant and reminder than my usual content. Frustration with government bureaucracy seems to be universal no matter what part of the world you live in. Setting aside any arguments about the validity of specific taxes, it can be a challenge to remember to pay them. It can also be a challenge to update your government issued identification. It systems that were set up to remind us don’t exist anymore and communication is spotty.
Declare That You Live There
In Toronto, if you are a homeowner, you have to make a yearly declaration that you are living in your home. This new law came into effect during the pandemic, when people were a little distracted by other things. If by the end of February, the city hasn’t had a confirmation from you that you are using your home as your residence for at least half the year, they will tax you 3% of its assessed value. It’s called a vacant home tax. It’s to discourage people from leaving properties unoccupied in the midst of our housing shortage.** But who reminds you do this declaration? This year, it’s me.
Remember Your Licence Plates
Another unclear message from government comes in the form of vehicle plate renewals. In Ontario, for as long as I can remember we used to renew our car licence plates every year or two. We would get a reminder in the mail, pay the fee, and receive a sticker to attach to our licence plate as proof of payment. In 2022, the government chose to stop the fee and the stickers. Great! One less thing to pay for and do. Actually, no. We still have to renew our licence plates every one to two years.* But who will remind you to do this? This year, it’s me.
Check For Expired Government Id
Updating government issued identification is another task that tends to creep up on you. Reminders no longer appear in the mail. The convenience of renewing on-line seems at first to be a great idea, but it’s not available for all situations. Our Service Ontario site has been moved from a convenient local plaza to a more distant location: a Staples store. This makes renewing a full day event for those on public transit. Here’s your reminder to look in your wallet and check your expiry dates on your driver’s licence and health card. Don’t forget your passport too!
Scammer Fun?
Things we can’t escape in life: remembering taxes and renewal dates on government id. I will be signing up for electronic reminders where those services exist. But then, I will have the puzzle of deciding whether the emails or texts that I receive are truly from a government agency … or from the scammers.
*Click here to read about the licence plate renewal issues
** https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/toronto/toronto-vacant-home-tax-increase-1.6991918 A reminder is printed on your property tax bill on a small side panel.
Retired, And Now What? 