BC Home Owners Grant (Property Tax Exemption)

Basic Home Owner Grant (BC)

The basic grant can reduce your property tax by as much as $570. The minimum tax payable ($350) ensures that all homeowners (or eligible occupants, which includes an eligible occupant of an eligible apartment, housing unit, land cooperative or multi-dwelling leased parcel) contribute towards the funding of local services such as road maintenance and police protection.

For 2009, the basic grant will be reduced by $5 for each $1,000 of assessed value over $1,050,000, and is eliminated on homes assessed at $1,164,000 or more.

If your property’s assessed value is over $1,050,000 but has more than one residence on it, you may still qualify for the home owner grant on one residence. For further information, please call our office toll-free in British Columbia at 1-888-355-2700.

To be eligible for the grant, you must meet the following criteria:

	You are a Canadian citizen or landed immigrant and ordinarily reside in British Columbia.
	You are the registered owner or eligible occupant of the home. The home must be located within the province.
	The home is your principal residence -where you live and conduct your daily activities. The grant does not apply to summer cottages, second homes or rental properties.
	Spouses who live together, including those who are married or who live together in a marriage-like relationship, including same-gender partners, can qualify for a grant on only one residence in the province in a calendar year.
	Spouses who live apart can each claim a grant on their principal residence if they have a written separation agreement or a court order recognizing the separation.

Please see How to Apply for more information.  Application FORM click here.

If you are over 65, have a disability, or receive a war veteran’s allowance, you may be eligible for the additional grant.