Prior year updates to property tax information are archived here. Property taxes includes rural property tax, property transfer tax, home owner grant, property tax deferment, and school tax.
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B.C. Property tax - 2025
FIN 74, Certificate of Health Professional and Property Owner (Form B) (PDF, 220KB), and FIN 81, Home Owner Grant Consent for Release of Information (PDF, 170KB), have been revised to reflect when to use and submit these forms.
Property tax deferment interest rates have been updated.
Property tax deferment interest rates have been updated.
New information has been added to the pages Repaying your property tax deferment loan and Apply for the property tax deferment program including:
Property tax deferment information has been updated. Applications are currently closed and will open again in May for the 2025 tax year.
A new version (Version 39) of the property transfer tax (PTT) web-based return is now in effect. To learn about the features of the new version, see Property transfer tax.
The Property transfer tax exemptions for First Nations and Property transfer tax exemption codes pages have been updated to include new information on transfers of land beneficially owned by First Nations.
Bulletin PTT 027, Improvements Straddling More Than One Parcel of Land, is now web content. You can find the information that was previously part of this bulletin in the Property transfer tax return guide. Please update your bookmarks to the new location on our website.
The provincial government announced its 2025 Budget on March 4, 2025. Programs administered by the Property Taxation Branch are amended as a result. Learn more at B.C. Provincial budget tax changes.
FIN 265, First Time Home Buyers' Application for Refund (PDF, 328KB), has been revised to:
FIN 272, Newly Built Home Application For Refund (PDF, 285KB), and FIN 274, Additional Property Transfer Tax Application for Refund (PDF, 449KB), have been revised to standardize the certification wording.
A new version (Version 38) of the property transfer tax (PTT) web-based return has been introduced. To learn about the features of the new version, see the Property transfer tax page.
The property tax exemptions pages have been updated to include new definitions and exemption codes related to exemptions on Reserve lands.
The provincial government announced its 2025 Budget on March 4, 2025. Programs administered by the Property Taxation Branch are amended as a result. Learn more at B.C. Provincial budget tax changes.
B.C. Property tax - 2024
Information about applying for the home owner grant on behalf of a deceased owner has moved to the Home owner grant for spouse or relative of a deceased owner web page.
The provincial government announced its 2024 Budget on February 22, 2024. Programs administered by the Property Taxation Branch are amended as a result.
Learn more at B.C. Provincial budget tax changes.
The home owner grant threshold for 2024 is increased to $2.15 million. This new threshold ensures the same percentage of British Columbia homes are below the threshold compared to 2023.
The Property tax deferment program web pages have been reorganized to improve navigation and user experience.
The updated property tax deferment website includes a new Frequently asked questions web page.
FIN 58, Physician Certification Property Tax Deferment Program (PDF, 180KB), has been updated to clarify the property tax deferment process. For more information see our property tax deferment web page.
Property tax deferment information has been updated.
The PDF version of the First Time Home Buyers' Program Guide, FIN 269 has been removed from our website. For information on the program, see the First time home buyers' program web page. Please update your bookmarks to the new location on our website.
The Property transfer tax exemptions for First Nations web page has been updated to better reflect current and relevant information respecting the tax treatment for First Nations and Modern Treaty Nations.
Newly built home exemption amounts and qualifying criteria have been updated to reflect the Budget 2024 changes. You can also see the exemption amounts before April 1, 2024.
The online application to transmit ownership to a surviving joint tenant is now available through the Land Title and Survey Authority of B.C. (LTSA).
A new version (Version 37) of the Property Transfer Tax (PTT) web-based return has been introduced. This version introduces the threshold change to the first time homebuyers' exemption and the newly built home exemption.
First time home buyers' exemption amounts and qualifying criteria have been updated. You can also see the exemption amounts before April 1, 2024.
The following bulletins are now web content:
Please update your bookmarks to the new location of our website. These pages have also been updated to include the updated definition of “spouse”.
No 2024 updates.
B.C. Property tax - 2023
The home owner grant web pages have been refreshed to improve usability.
Note: There have been no changes to legislation or to home owner grant eligibility and processes.
The provincial government announced its 2023 Budget on February 28, 2023. Programs administered by the Property Taxation Branch are amended as a result. Learn more at B.C. Provincial budget tax changes.
The home owner grant threshold for 2023 is increased to $2.125 million. This new threshold ensures the same percentage of British Columbia homes are below the threshold compared to 2022.
Property tax deferment interest rates have been updated.
Property tax deferment applications are now open. For more information, see Apply for or renew a property tax deferment program application.
The property tax deferment program web pages have been updated to provide more content to assist home owners in program criteria, interest rates and what to expect when applying. See Apply for or renew a property tax deferment program application for more information.
The Property transfer tax exemptions page has been updated to provide information on the purpose-built rental exemption that is effective January 1, 2024.
The Maa-nulth First Nations Final Agreement, Nisga’a Final Agreement and Tla’amin Final Agreement are amended to reinstate or continue the exemptions from property transfer tax. See Property transfer tax exemptions for First Nations for information about who is eligible for these exemptions and the effective date for each Treaty Nation.
Refunds for the additional property transfer tax has been updated to clarify how the effective start date for permanent residency status of transferees is determined. In addition, information about acceptable documents for determining permanent residency status has been updated.
Bulletin PTT 003, Property Transfer Tax Exemptions (PDF, 240KB), has been revised to reflect that a property transfer tax return is no longer required to be filed at the land title office when forfeited land is transferred back to the original owner under the Taxation (Rural Area) Act.
Effective March 27, 2023, the Tsawwassen First Nation Final Agreement is amended to reinstate tax exemptions for eligible Tsawwassen Members and other First Nations individuals for property transfer taxes on Tsawwassen Lands that are former reserve lands. See Property transfer tax exemptions for First Nations for more information.
The provincial government announced its 2023 Budget on February 28, 2023. Programs administered by the Property Taxation Branch are amended as a result. Learn more at B.C. Provincial budget tax changes.
The web pages related to property taxes in rural areas have been refreshed to improve usability.
Note: There have been no changes to legislation.
B.C. Property tax - 2022
A new version (Version 35) of the Property Transfer Tax web-based return was introduced. See the updated Tax Return Guide and Information for legal professionals for more information.
The consent and privacy statements on the following Property Transfer Tax forms have been updated to provide consistency across all forms.
The release of the new version (Version 35) of the Property Transfer Tax web-based return has been deferred until November 7, 2022. See the updated Information for legal professionals for more information.
The release of the new version (Version 35) of the Property Transfer Tax web-based return has been deferred until October 24, 2022. See the updated Information for legal professionals for more information.
Bulletin GEN 002, Appeals (PDF, 160KB) and the Can you appeal? page have been revised to update the appeal deadline information for property transfer tax, as a result of Budget 2022.
The Property transfer tax return guide has been updated to clarify differences between information required from directors and corporate interest holders.
A new version (Version 35) of the Property Transfer Tax web-based return will be introduced on October 17, 2022. See the updated Information for legal professionals for more information.
Application requirements for the low income home owner grant supplement and veterans supplement have been simplified. You no longer need to provide additional documentation up front with your application. Learn more about the low income grant supplement for:
When applying for a multiple home owner grant, the eligible occupants spreadsheet is now available online to upload to eTaxBC.
Information about the home owner grant for people with disabilities has been revised for clarity.
Payment options for rural property taxes have been updated to indicate that Interac e-transfers and credit cards are not accepted.
Instructions have been added for filling out the authorization or cancellation of a representative form (FIN 146) for annual property tax. These instructions are for the purpose of rural property tax, home owner grant and property tax deferment.
The provincial government announced its 2022 Budget on February 22, 2022. As a result, amendments to property taxes were made. Learn more at B.C. Provincial budget tax changes.
B.C. Property tax - 2021
Information has been added about how to change your home owner grant application after you've applied.
Applications for the 2021 home owner grant are now being processed. Claim your 2021 grant as soon as you receive your property tax notice.
The fastest and easiest way to apply is online.
You can also apply by phone with help from an agent Monday to Friday 8:30 am to 5:00 pm (excluding statutory holidays), or anytime using our automated self-serve phone application system if you are applying for the regular grant or senior grant.
Learn more at gov.bc.ca/homeownergrant
Applications for the property tax deferment program are now available online. Municipalities no longer accept applications for property tax deferment.
Learn more about the online property tax deferment application process at gov.bc.ca/propertytaxdeferment
Reminder: If applicable, you must apply for your home owner grant separately from your property tax deferment application. Effective 2021, applications for the home owner grant are made directly to the province online at gov.bc.ca/homeownergrant
The provincial government announced its 2021 Budget on April 20, 2021. As a result, amendments to the property transfer tax were made. Learn more at B.C. Provincial budget tax changes.
Retroactive home owner grant applications for 2020 are now being accepted online. Learn more about applying for a retroactive grant and about other information updates at gov.bc.ca/homeownergrant
B.C. Property tax - 2020
The home owner grant application process has changed.
Effective 2021, residents in municipalities no longer apply for the home owner grant through their municipal office. Everyone will now apply directly to the province using a new online system that’s easy to use and will process applications faster.
The system will be available in early 2021. Visit gov.bc.ca/homeownergrant for more information.
Effective December 14, 2020, legal professionals must submit property transfer tax returns using the new web-based return. Go to Information for legal professionals on filing a property transfer tax return for more information.
The Guide to the First Time Home Buyers' Program (PDF) has been updated to reflect the new web-based property transfer tax return.
An updated Property Transfer Tax Return Guide is also available.
Surviving Joint Tenant Manual Property Transfer Tax Return (FIN 544) (PDF) is now available for individuals who choose not to use a legal professional when they transfer an interest from another joint tenant who is deceased.
Property taxes are due July 2, 2020. Find out how to pay online and learn important information about rural property taxes during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Applications for the property tax deferment program are now submitted online through eTaxBC. Your municipality will no longer accept paper applications. Learn more about the online application process at gov.bc.ca/propertytaxdeferment. Program details and eligibility requirements have not changed.
Effective immediately, the B.C. government has introduced tax changes to assist in the response to COVID-19. Learn more at COVID-19 action plan - provincial tax changes.
The B.C. Taxpayer Fairness and Service Code is now available online.
The provincial government announced its 2020 Budget on February 18, 2020. Programs administered by the Property Taxation Branch are amended as a result. Learn more at B.C. Provincial budget tax changes.
B.C. Property tax - 2019
Information on school tax, the additional school tax rate, and school tax exemptions and credits has been revised for clarity.
Bulletin GEN 002, Appeals (PDF), has been updated with information on speculation and vacancy tax appeals.
B.C. Property tax - 2018
New information is available about the proposed speculation and vacancy tax. Stay informed by subscribing to the new Speculation and Vacancy Tax What's new page.
September 17, 2018
The Property Transfer Tax Return has been revised (v.31) and is now available in the following two formats:
An updated Property Transfer Tax Return Guide is available to help you complete both versions of the return.
Version 31 of the Property Transfer Tax Return is now available on the Land Title and Survey Authority of BC website for early review. This new version goes into effect on September 17, 2018 and cannot be e-filed until that time. Learn more about Filing property transfer tax for legal professionals.
The Property Transfer Tax Act now includes the Information Collection Regulation.
Effective September 17, 2018, individuals with a significant interest in a corporation or trust that acquires property may need to be identified on the property transfer tax return.
The 2018 Property Tax Deferment applications and guides are now available on our website. Use our eligibility calculators to find out if you're eligible to apply for one of our tax deferment programs. The calculator will guide you to the application form.
Bulletin PTT 021, Advance Tax Rulings, has been rewritten and replaces the previous version dated January 2000. In addition, a new email address is included for requesting or inquiring about property transfer tax rulings.
The B.C. Government provided implementation details about the Speculation and Vacancy Tax. Read the news release to learn more.
In Budget 2018, the B.C. government announced that it would be introducing legislation to impose an annual speculation tax. The majority of B.C. homeowners will be exempt from this tax. Find out more about the speculation and vacancy tax.
The provincial government announced its 2018 Budget today. Programs administered by the Property Taxation Branch are amended as a result. Learn more at B.C. Provincial budget tax changes.
The homeowner grant threshold has been increased to $1.65 million. This new threshold ensures the same percentage of British Columbia homes are below the threshold compared to 2017.
The following Home Owner Grant forms have been updated:
B.C. Property tax - 2017
The Property Transfer Tax Return has been revised and is now available in the following two formats:
A new Property Transfer Tax Return Guide is available to help you complete both versions of the return.
Our bulletins have been revised, as required, to remove references to the previous paper property transfer tax returns.
We also have a new online service you can use to send us your refund application electronically. Our refund application forms have been updated to include this new option.
Bulletin PTT 016, Municipal Tax Sales, has been revised to:
FIN 274, Additional Property Transfer Tax Application for Refund, has been updated and now includes a new field: Parcel Identifier (PID) or Title Number (of the property). Also, a new question has been added for each purchaser: Were you a BC Provincial Nominee at the time of registration?
FIN 47, Request for Rural Property Tax Information, has been updated as there is no longer a fee for a rural property tax search, current or historical.
The following changes have been introduced for the additional property transfer tax:
Exemption
Refund
Information sheets 2016-005 and 2016-006 have been retired and the information is now on our website.
The provincial government announced its 2017 Budget today. Programs administered by the Property Taxation Branch are amended as a result. Learn more at B.C. Provincial budget tax changes.
B.C. Property tax - 2016
A report for the period June 10 to October 31, 2016 has been released highlighting the property transfer tax transactions in British Columbia including residential properties in Metro Vancouver.
Information Sheet 2016-006, Additional Property Transfer Tax on Residential Property Transfers to Foreign Entities in the Greater Vancouver Regional District, has been revised to clarify the identification requirements that must be collected and verified for Canadian citizens and permanent residents and how to verify the social insurance number when collected.
Additional property transfer tax introduced
The provincial government announced a new additional property transfer tax on purchases and transfers of residential properties made by foreign nationals and foreign corporations in the Greater Vancouver Regional District.
Read the details in Information Sheet 2016-006, Additional Property Transfer Tax on Residential Property Transfers to Foreign Entities in the Greater Vancouver Regional District.
Possible postal service disruption
If there is disruption to postal services, you are still responsible for filing your returns, claiming grants, applying for programs or refunds, and making payments on time.
Find out more.
The following 2016 Property Tax Deferment applications and guides are now available:
FIN 47, Request for Rural Property Tax Information, has been updated with new telephone numbers for the Canada Revenue Agency and the Property Taxation Branch. In addition, there is no longer a charge for a current rural property tax search (up to the previous four years).
Attention! Some web browsers may not support all the features of PDF forms, such as fillable or calculating fields, and may produce errors. We recommend you download the form and open it using the latest version of Adobe Reader.
Information Sheet 2016-005, Collect and Report Citizenship Information on Property Transfer Tax Return is to inform the legal profession and conveyancers who file property transfer tax returns at the Land Title Office the details of what citizenship information they now need to collect in preparation for reporting requirements coming into effect early summer 2016.
Bulletin PTT 016, Municipal Tax Sales, has been completely rewritten and replaces the previous version dated January 2000.
Bulletin PTT 027, Improvements Straddling More Than One Parcel of Land has been revised to:
FIN 77, Home Owner Grant Eligibility Questionnaire, has been updated and is now easier to complete.
The provincial government announced its 2016 Budget today. Programs administered by the Property Taxation Branch are amended as a result. Learn more at B.C. Provincial budget tax changes.
Check out our updated home owner grant website at www.gov.bc.ca/homeownergrant This site was designed with you in mind and will make it easier for you to find the information you need.
B.C. Property tax - 2015
Bulletin GEN 002, Appeals, has been revised to remove reference to the residential energy credit and rebate program and hotel room tax.
BC Assessment undertook a recent project to verify agricultural land reserve (ALR) status across the province for all properties over two acres. This may have changed their determination of how property qualifies for the ALR tax exemption. For more information, see their BC Assessment Information Bulletin (PDF).
Form FIN 62, 2015 Renewal Application Property Tax Deferment Program, is now available.
The following 2015 Property Tax Deferment applications and guides are now available:
Form FIN 74, Form B, Certificate of Physician and Property Owner, is revised to clarify who qualifies to provide physician certification of a permanent disability for the Home Owner Grant and to add nurse practitioners as qualifying physicians.
The following publications have been updated with information for the 2015 property tax year and several clarifications.
The following bulletins have been updated to clarify that child includes a step-child:
The Appeals webpages and Bulletin GEN 002, Appeals, have been updated to make it easier for you to find the information you need.
Form FIN 298, Appeal to Minister, is a new form you can use to file an appeal related to an assessment, disallowed refund or other decision made by the Ministry of Finance.
B.C. Property tax - 2014
The following 2014 Property Tax Deferment applications and guides are now available:
The following Home Owner Grant forms have been updated:
Information Sheet 2012-01, Home Owner Grant Veterans Supplement, has been updated with information for the 2014 property tax year.
The provincial government announced its 2014 Budget today. Programs administered by the Property Taxation Branch are amended as a result. Learn more at B.C. Provincial budget tax changes.
B.C. Property tax - 2013
Check out our new website at www.gov.bc.ca/propertytaxes
This site was designed with you in mind and will make it easier for you to find the information you need.
Bulletin PTT 003, Property Transfer Tax Exemptions, has been updated with new information about the exemption for property transfers due to marriage breakdown.
The provincial government announced its 2013 Budget - June Update on June 27, 2013. Read the taxchange details on our B.C. Provincial budget tax changes page.
Bulletin GEN 003, Appeals of Tax Assessments, Disallowed Refunds or Other Determinations, has been renumbered and renamed. This bulletin is now GEN 002, Appeals, and has also been updated with information on appeals under the Provincial Sales Tax Act.
Bulletin HOG 008, Multi-Dwelling Leased Parcels: Applying for the Home Owner Grant, has been updated to clarify information on Multi-Dwelling grant claims.
The following 2013 Property Tax Deferment applications and guides are now available:
The following home owner grant forms have been updated:
The Guide to the First Time Home Buyers’ Program (FIN 269 Guide), has been updated and is on the Property Transfer Tax website.
Bulletin TRA 001, Rural Property Taxes has been updated to include information about police tax and clarify information about property subdivisions.
The following Home Owner Grant publications have been updated:
Bulletin PTT 003, Property Transfer Tax Exemptions has been updated to correct the definition of spouse which is now provided in Section 1 of the Property Transfer Tax Act and not in the Family Relations Act (FRA).
Bulletin PTT 005, Exemptions for the Transfer of a Principle Residence has been updated to include a link to the Partial Exemption Calculator.
The provincial government announced its 2013 Budget on February 19, 2013. Programs administered by the Property Taxation Branch are amended as a result.
Read the tax change details on our B.C. Provincial budget tax changes page.