BC Home Owner Grant

Apply Before the July Property Tax Deadline

If you own a home in Kamloops or anywhere else in BC, there’s a good chance you qualify for the BC Home Owner Grant.

The BC Home Owner Grant helps eligible homeowners reduce their annual property tax bill, but one of the biggest misconceptions is that it automatically renews. It doesn’t. I’ve had clients assume their mortgage company takes care of it automatically, only to find out later that they still needed to submit the application themselves. With property tax deadlines coming up in early July, now is a good time to make sure it’s taken care of.

What Is the BC Home Owner Grant?

The BC Home Owner Grant is a provincial program that helps reduce the property taxes you pay on your principal residence.

The grant can help homeowners:

• Reduce their annual property tax bill
• Lower their overall housing costs
• Save several hundred dollars each year

It’s one of the easiest ways to reduce your annual housing costs, but only if you remember to apply. If you’re reviewing your overall housing costs this year, you may also want to read about your mortgage renewal options before accepting your lender’s first offer.

Do You Need to Apply Every Year?

Yes.

This is probably the biggest misconception I hear. You still need to apply even if:

• You received the grant last year
• Your mortgage company pays your property taxes
• Nothing has changed with your property

You still need to claim the grant each year. The application only takes a few minutes, but forgetting can be expensive.

Who Qualifies?

The good news is that many owner-occupied homes qualify.

Generally, you must:

• Own the property
• Be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident
• Live in the home as your principal residence
• Meet the provincial eligibility requirements

If you’re unsure whether you qualify, it’s worth checking before your property tax deadline.

How Much Can You Save?

The amount depends on your property and eligibility.

Additional grant amounts may be available for:

• Seniors
• Veterans
• People with disabilities

For many homeowners, the grant can reduce property taxes by several hundred dollars each year. For many homeowners in Kamloops, the regular Home Owner Grant is what applies.

How Do You Apply?

The application process is straightforward and can usually be completed online in just a few minutes.

You’ll typically need:

• Your property tax notice
• Jurisdiction number
• Roll number
• Basic information to verify your eligibility

Most people can complete the entire process in less time than it takes to drink a cup of coffee.

What Happens If You Forget?

This is usually where people get surprised.

If you don’t claim the Home Owner Grant before your property tax deadline:

• You could miss out on valuable tax savings
• Penalties may be charged on the unpaid amount
• The grant will not automatically be applied

Even if your property taxes are paid through your mortgage, you’re still responsible for submitting the application.

What This Looks Like

I’ve had homeowners tell me they didn’t realize they still had to apply because their property taxes were paid through their mortgage.

In most cases, a quick application can save a few hundred dollars and help avoid unnecessary penalties.

It’s a simple task, but it’s one that’s easy to forget if it isn’t on your radar.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the Home Owner Grant deadline?
For most BC municipalities, the deadline matches your property tax due date, which is typically in early July. Check your property tax notice for the exact date.

Do I need to apply every year?
Yes. The Home Owner Grant must be claimed annually.

Can I claim the grant if my mortgage company pays my property taxes?
Yes, but you still need to submit the application yourself.

My property taxes are paid through my mortgage. Do I still need to apply?
Yes. Even if your lender collects and pays your property taxes, you’re still responsible for claiming the Home Owner Grant each year.

Can I claim the grant on a rental property?
No. The property generally needs to be your principal residence.

What if I forgot to apply last year?
In some situations, retroactive applications may be available. Contact the province directly to see if you qualify.

Can I apply for the Home Owner Grant after I pay my property taxes?
Yes. As long as you’re applying before the claim deadline, you can still claim the grant even if you’ve already paid your property taxes.

Don’t Leave Money on the Table

As a mortgage broker, I spend a lot of time helping homeowners save money where they can.

The BC Home Owner Grant is one of the easiest ways for BC homeowners to save money each year, yet it’s surprisingly easy to forget about until property tax season arrives.

If you haven’t applied yet, it’s worth taking a few minutes before your property tax deadline. And if you have questions about your mortgage, renewal, refinance, or accessing equity in your home, I’m always happy to help.

Talk soon,
Sarah

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Sources and additional information

• Government of British Columbia – Home Owner Grant
• Government of British Columbia – Property Taxes
• BC Assessment – Property Assessment Information