2024 B.C. homeowner grant provides tax relief

Photo from BC Assessment.

The homeowner grant reduces the amount of property taxes property owners pay each year on their principal residence.

Most eligible property owners qualify for the regular grant, which is also called the basic grant.

The regular grant amount is $570 for properties located in Metro Vancouver, Fraser Valley Regional District, and the Capital Regional District.

For all other areas in B.C., the grant is $770.

The homeowner grant will continue to cover 92 percent of homes with the threshold set at $2.15 million for 2024.

The grant amounts remain the same as last year, providing as much as $570 relief on property tax bills for owners in Metro Vancouver, Fraser Valley Regional District, and the Capital Regional District, and $770 outside of those areas.

Seniors, veterans or people with a disability can qualify for an additional grant for a total of as much as $845 in Metro Vancouver, Fraser Valley Regional District, and the Capital Regional District, and as much as $1,045 outside of those areas.

In 2023, almost 500,000 seniors received the extra support along with over 15,000 people with a disability.

To be eligible, homeowners need to use the property as a principal residence.

The easiest time to apply is in May after owners have received their BC Assessment notice and municipal property tax notice.

People can apply through the B.C. government website, at a ServiceBC centre or through an automated self-service line at 1 888 355-2700. Those who want to apply early can do so starting this month.

People are encouraged to check online for their application status, particularly as the deadline to pay property taxes nears, to ensure that they are not billed for any late-payment fees or penalties.

B.C. homeowners may also be eligible for B.C.’s Property Tax Deferment program. It is a low-interest program for homeowners who meet criteria, including:

  • supporting a dependent child (Families with Children Program);
  • 55 or older during the current year;
  • a surviving spouse of any age; and
  • a person with disabilities.

Homeowners can apply for the homeowner grant and Property Tax Deferment securely online.