Resource Library | Home Owner Grant -

The Home Owner Grant

Since 1957, this BC Government program has helped eligible home owners reduce the amount of taxes they pay on their home. To qualify, a home owner must be:
• a Canadian Citizen or landed immigrant;
• a permanent resident in BC;
• the registered property owner when applying for the grant; and
• occupying the dwelling described on the application as a principal residence.

How much is the grant?
• The basic grant reduces taxes for home owners under the age of 65 by up to $570; and
• The additional grant for home owners aged 65 and over, and eligible veterans and disabled home owners is $275, for up to a total of $845.

The basic grant is reduced by $5 for each $1,000 of assessed value more than $1,050,000 and is eliminated on homes assessed at $1,164,000 and above.

The additional grant is reduced by $5 for each $1,000 of assessed value over $1,050,000 and is eliminated on homes assessed at $1,219,000 and above. Expanded eligibility for low income seniors and others. The Home Owner Grant is extended to some eligible low-income seniors and others, who would qualify for the additional grant except that the value of their homes exceeds the threshold. These owners – low-income seniors 65 years or older, eligible veterans and eligible persons with disabilities – must have an income of $30,000 or less, reside on their property and can show they will face hardship without the additional grant. Claiming the Home Owner Grant The Home Owner Grant application is attached to tax notice and you must claim the grant even if you can’t pay your taxes. If you don’t claim it and you only pay the net amount of property taxes, you are creating a debt with the municipality for the amount of the Home Owner Grant you didn’t claim. The municipality will levy a penalty on the amount of the grant that you owe them. It is important to note that a new Home Owner Grant must be claimed every year. The grant can be claimed by mailing in the application or by submitting it online through the municipality’s web site. Review your application form for details about online filing