If you own, lease or gain interest in a property located in BC, you are required to pay property taxes each year. The funds are used for services such as police, the fire department and education. The amount you pay depends on where you live and the assessed value of your home. There are penalties for not filing on time, so we’ve got some tips for you to keep in mind.
Paying property tax through your mortgage payment
If you have elected to include your property tax in your mortgage payment, your financial institution takes care of paying it. The annual deadline for financial institutions to make these payments is typically July 2nd or the next business day. Keep in mind your financial institution does not apply for the Home Owner Grant for you. Read on for information on how to apply.
Paying your property tax yourself
To pay your property taxes yourself, here’s what to know.
Rural Property Taxes
If your home is notlocated in a city, town, district or village, you live in a rural area. July 2nd is the deadline for paying your rural property taxes or applying to defer them without late payment penalties.
You pay your rural property taxes to the Province. One easy way is to enroll in eTaxBC to make your payment and claim your home owner grant. There’s a help guide here if you have any questions.
Municipal Property Taxes
You pay your municipal property tax to the office that sent your property tax notice. Municipalities commonly set July 2nd as the deadline, but you should confirm the date by calling your municipal office or checking your municipal tax notice for the due date and penalty for late payment.
If you have any questions, you can get more info here. Don’t forget you can pay your property tax in Coastal Community’s online banking or mobile app by adding the municipal office as a payee.
First Nation Property Taxes
The first thing to note is that if you pay property taxes for your principal residence to a First Nation, you are not eligible for the provincial property tax deferment or home owner grant programs. However, the First Nation may offer its own home owner grant program.
If you are a non-member leaseholder on reserve land, you can find out how and when to pay property taxes here. If you have any questions about your property taxes or a home owner grant program, please contact the First Nation.
If you live on treaty land, the First Nation may require you to pay property taxes. You can find out more information here.
Important note: the Home Owner Grant
The Home Owner Grant reduces the amount of property tax eligible owners pay on a principal residence. You must re-apply for the grant each year. If you have any questions, click here to find information on eligibility and how to apply. If you would like to apply online, you’ll find the information you need on the back of your property tax statement.
Additional Resources:
How to pay your rural property taxes
Property taxes in municipalities
First Nation Property Taxes
Apply for the Home Owner Grant