Vancouver and Ladysmith Homeowner Grant Application Processes
You may have heard in the news that Vancouver has recently stopped accepting paper applications for the BC Homeowner Grant, moving instead to an online-only application process. This has caused concern that some people in the region lack either a computer with internet access or the computer literacy to easily complete the online application.[1]
Here, one may continue to apply either online or by filling out a paper form. As explained on the Town’s website:
Ladysmith property owners can choose to apply for their Home Owner Grant online for the current year. This service is available from approximately the middle of May until December 31st, any time of day and from anywhere there is Internet access, even if you are on vacation. You will need two numerical pieces of information in order to access your account and apply for the grant: a roll number and personal access code.
You can find both these numbers on the top right portion of your annual tax notice. If you do not have your tax notice please contact the Financial Services department at 250-245-6414 ext. 6206 or email ccopp@ladysmith.ca."[2]
The online application for Ladysmith can be found here and is quite straightforward, but if one wishes to apply offline using a paper form, the BC Government’s website sets out the following guidance:
Submit your application to the office that sent your property tax notice.
A home owner grant application is included with your property tax notice. If you don’t have your tax notice, contact your municipality or the province if you live in a rural area, apply online, or use the Home Owner Grant Application (FIN 78) (PDF)."[3]
Remember that whether one applies online or by paper form, one must apply annually for the Homeowner Grant. However, if you have missed a previous year, you may not be entirely out of luck. As explained on the Town of Ladysmith’s website:
If you missed claiming the 2016 Home Owner Grant (PDF), you can apply for it retroactively, by filling out a Retro-Active Home Owner Grant, and bringing in two of the documents asked for at the bottom of the form to City Hall."[4]
[2] www.ladysmith.ca/our-services/taxes-payments/property-taxes/home-owner-grant
[3] www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/taxes/property-taxes/annual-property-tax/reduce/home-owner-grant/apply
[4] Ibid.