The British Columbia Property Tax Deferment Program is a loan program that allows you to defer your annual property taxes on your home if you meet certain criteria. Property Tax Deferment programs are administered by the Province of British Columbia. There are two tax deferment programs available:
1. Tax deferment for homeowners. This program has the following eligibility criteria:
- Be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident of Canada
- Be a registered owner of the property
- Have lived in B.C. for at least one year prior to applying
- Pay property taxes for the residence to the municipality or the province and have paid all previous years' property taxes, utility user fees, penalties, and interest
You must also meet the following criteria:
- 55 years or older during that calendar year (only one spouse must be 55 or older);
- A surviving spouse; or
- A disabled person as defined by regulation; and
- Have a minimum equity of 25% in your home based on assessed values as determined by BC Assessment, and
- The property is your principal residence (where you conduct your daily activities)
2. Tax deferment for homeowners financial supporting children. This program has the following eligibility criteria:
- Be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident of Canada
- Be a registered owner of the property
- Have lived in B.C. for at least one year prior to applying
- Pay property taxes for the residence to the municipality or the province and have paid all previous years' property taxes, utility user fees, penalties, and interest
You must also meet the following criteria:
- You are financially supporting, at the time of application, a dependent child who is under the age of 18 at any time in the calendar year in which you apply and who lives with you full time in your home, or lives with you at least part time under a shared custody arrangement, or does not live with you, but you pay support for the child, or are responsible for fees and/or living costs if they are attending school,
- You must have, and maintain, a minimum equity of 15% of the current BC Assessment value, and
- The property is your principal residence (where you conduct your daily activities)
Payment of user fees (water, sewer and solid waste), if applicable, and the Home Owner Grant Application must be completed before the deferment application is made and before the due date to avoid penalties.
For more information, visit The Province of BC's Tax Deferment Website or contact the nearest Service BC-Government Agent office.