More Taxpayers Get a Break

More Nova Scotia taxpayers are benefiting from the provincial government's pledge to lower taxes.

Taxpayer refund cheques for $155 were mailed to 10,340 Nova Scotians today, Sept. 26, as the provincial government's taxpayer refund program continues. Since the program began in June, about 468,000 people have received a personal income tax refund. The program is based on taxes paid in 2001 or 2002. This round of payments is a result of late income tax returns.

"Working families deserve a break and our plan for lower taxes is making sure they get one," said Finance Minister Peter Christie. "It's essential that every taxpayer who is eligible for a refund, receives one."

The refund marks the first part of the government's commitment to lower taxes for the July to December half of the year. As of Jan. 1, Nova Scotia will offer the lowest personal income tax rates in Atlantic Canada. The lower tax rates also mean more than 3,500 Nova Scotians will no longer pay provincial income taxes.

Mr. Christie said the two recent upgrades to the province's credit rating were in part due to the government's strong commitment to fiscal discipline, strengthened accounting policies and a 10 per cent personal tax cut.

"Lower taxes are key to growing our economy, which helps us pay for the things people care about, like health and education," said Mr. Christie.

Nova Scotia is one of the last provinces in Canada to lower personal income taxes in recent years.