Home Owner Grants

Eligible property owners must apply for the Home Owner Grant by the due date each year, to avoid penalty charges being applied to that portion of the property taxes. There are two methods to apply for the Home Owner Grant:

• complete and submit the application located on the front of the property tax notice; or
• electronically via the Home Owner Grant Online Service

An owner, together with his/her spouse, qualifies for a Provincial Home Owner Grant for only one residence in the Province in any one calendar year. The grant is not payable unless the dwelling described on the tax notice is the principal residence of the owner, who must be a permanent resident of the Province.

• Basic Home Owner Grant

1. If eligible, complete the application on the detachable stub at the bottom of your Tax Notice.
2. Full payment of taxes is not a requirement to claim the Home Owner Grant.
3. The last date to apply for the grant is December 31, but penalties will be applied if not received by the close of business on July 2, 2010. A penalty of 5% will be applied to the grant, in addition to any outstanding taxes after July 2, and a further 5% penalty will apply to any outstanding amount after September 15.
4. A signed application must be completed each year that owners are eligible for the grant.

• Additional Home Owner Grant:

1. If eligible, complete the portion on the detachable stub at the bottom of your Tax Notice.
2. Persons over 65 years of age must indicate their birth date. Entitlement applies in the calendar year the applicant turns 65.
3. Persons with disabilities must have their physician complete a "Certificate of Persons with Disabilities" form available from the Collections Division, which must be returned with the application.
4. Persons designated with disabilities must be receiving disability assistance, hardship assistance or a supplement under the BC Employment and Assistance for Persons with Disabilities Act.
5. Persons under the War Veterans/Civilian War Pensions Allowance Acts must provide proof of eligibility. Copies of cheque stubs must be provided as proof of entitlement. War Disability Pensions Do Not Qualify. 

For additional information, contact the Property Tax Division, or the Home Owner Grant Administration Branch Telephone: 1-250-356-8904 or 1-250-387-8166.