Property tax
If you own property in BC, such as a residence, you are required to pay property tax. The municipality imposes this tax upon property owners within their jurisdiction based on the value of the property.
Generally, there are two important steps to consider about paying property taxes:
- Choose the most convenient ways to pay your property tax
- Reduce the tax you pay by the Home Owner Grant application
Convenient ways to pay
There are a variety of ways to pay your property tax, some more convenient than others. Most municipalities offer all of the options below and will charge you a penalty if you pay late; for details visit your municipality’s web site.
- Property Tax Prepayment Plan
Arrange to pay your property taxes through an automatic withdrawal from your Vancity account, either monthly or twice a year. The advantage with the Prepayment Plan is the burden to pay your tax is spread out over the year so you can manage your cash flow better. Some municipalities pay you interest which reduces what you owe, if you choose the monthly payment option. Set up your Prepayment Plan through your municipality.
It is important to note that you still have to apply for the Home Owner Grant separately, every year.
- Online banking
Pay property taxes conveniently online. Log in to your online banking account or visit your branch to set up online banking.
For online banking, choose Payments and Add Payee. Choose the Browse by Type tab and select Browse by Property Tax Payees. The municipalities are all listed alphabetically. Hint: If you don’t find your municipality in the alpha listing, try scrolling through the prefix of “City of” or “District of.”
- Mobile banking app
- Visit any of our community branches
- Other ways
Pay your property tax by mail, in-person or using drop box at City Hall. Most municipalities allow you to pay with debit card, cash or cheque. Post dated cheques are accepted. Credit cards are not accepted. If paying by mail, allow enough time for the envelope to arrive at City Hall because the post-marked date is not accepted as the payment date.
Home Owner Grant
The Home Owner Grant is a property tax assistance program offered by the province. The program helps homeowners reduce the amount of taxes they pay on their home. We recommend you apply for the Home Owner Grant as the dollar savings can be significant.
You need to apply for the Home Owner Grant every year. It is a good idea to apply for the Grant as soon as you get your Property Tax notice, usually mid-May. You must complete and file your own Home Owner Grant. Vancity is no longer forwarding applications.
Most municipalities offer an online Home Owner Grant application form. Find instructions and application deadline for your municipality here.