Apply for the property tax deferment program

You can apply for tax deferment or renew your application online between May 1 and December 31 each year.

If you have paid out and closed your tax deferment account, you must make a new application if you want to defer your property taxes. Renewal applications will not be accepted on closed accounts.

Ensure you meet all eligibility requirements and have the information you need ready before you apply or renew an application.

On this page

• Required information
• Apply through eTaxBC
• Switching programs
• Automatic application renewals
• Cancelling your application

Required information

The property tax deferment is a loan program very similar to the process of asking for a loan at your financial institution. We verify your citizenship, equity and residence with your social insurance number (SIN) and date of birth. Your personal information is encrypted to ensure that it's kept secure.

You will also need the following information to complete your property tax deferment application:

• Your jurisdiction and roll number (also called a folio number or account number) found on your annual property tax notice or your BC Assessment notice issued in January
• Your PTD number (renewals only)

You may need to submit digital copies of supporting documentation if you’re applying:

• On behalf of a registered owner
• As a surviving spouse (for the Regular Program only)
• As a person with a disability
• As a parent or stepparent of a person with a disability

The application has a built-in equity calculator to assist you with your eligibility. Having the following documents available may help you answer the equity questions:

• This year's BC Assessment notice
• Current mortgage statement
• Line of credit statement indicating the credit limit (not the amount owning)
• Home insurance documents

Note: When you submit your application, we will obtain the actual values of any charges registered against your property through a title search.

Additional information if requested

We may request additional information by mail or email to support your application and confirm your eligibility under the program. You must submit the requested additional information within 30 days from the date of the email or the letter requesting it. If the requested information is not received by the due date, your application will be cancelled and late payment penalties will apply if it’s after your property tax due date. You may re-apply online up to December 31 of the current year.

Apply through eTaxBC

Apply or renew

If you have difficulties using the online application, contact us.

Important: If there are multiple registered owners, see Registered owners' agreement to defer property taxes. 

Switching programs

Before you decide to switch your property tax deferment program, familiarize yourself with the program eligibility, equity requirements, and interest rates and fees (if applicable). Afterwards, contact us. If you're approved to switch your program, your original program will be placed on hold and will accrue monthly interest until paid in full. See Interest and fees for each program.

Automatic application renewals

When you apply, you may set up automatic renewal for subsequent years.

If your automatic renewal is set up, you do not need to submit an application. Our office will determine if you meet the program requirements and may contact you by email or mail requesting additional information. Refer to your annual Statement of Account issued by early May each year.

Requested information is due 30 days from the date the email request was sent or when the letter was issued. If the requested information is not received by the due date, your application will be cancelled and late penalties will apply if it's after your property tax due date.

Note: Approved renewals are not issued an approval letter. You can verify your renewal status online, or if you have an eTaxBC logon.

Renewal applications will be cancelled and our office will not pay your property taxes if we verify the applicant is no longer eligible for the program. Some examples include:

• Your current year taxes were paid by you, or your lender
• The applicant has moved off the property
• The applicant has passed away

Cancelling your application

To cancel your tax deferment application, you must first check the status of your application in eTaxBC.

If your application status is "pending", contact us. 

If your application status has been approved, you cannot cancel your application, contact us.

If you want to cancel your enrolment into the tax deferment program, contact us to request a payout letter.