Province of BC's Tax Deferment Program
The Province of BC offers a low interest loan program designed to help qualified BC home owners pay their annual property taxes. There are two tax deferment programs available:
- Families with children
- People aged 55 and older, surviving spouses, and people with disabilities
Detailed information and qualification requirements for these programs are available through the Provincial deferment website.
Avoid Tax Penalties
Before the due date, ensure you submit to City Hall your eligible home owner grant and payment(s) for any arrears and tax penalties before submitting your deferment application to the Province of BC.
Are you on the Preauthorized Withdrawal Plan (PAWS)?
If you are on the preauthorized withdrawal plan and wish to defer your taxes, you must send a request to the Property Tax section at City hall to cancel your monthly payment. Depending on the timing of your cancellation, you may not have outstanding taxes to defer in the current year.
Please send your request by email to taxdept@richmond.ca or drop off your request at the tax counter at City Hall.
Renew your Tax Deferral
The renewal process is not automatic. If you want to continue to defer your annual property taxes, you will need to complete a renewal application each year (unless you apply for the auto renewal option).
Each May the Province of BC will send you a Statement of Account and a renewal notification. To learn more about this process, visit:
Government of BC's page Defer Your Property Taxes
Cancel or Suspend your Tax Deferral
To suspend your tax deferral, pay current year's property taxes while leaving your deferred balance owning. This will leave your deferment account open with the Province of BC and will give you the flexibility of deferring future year's taxes when you choose.
To cancel your tax deferral, pay the Province for the full outstanding balance in your deferment account. This will close your account with the Province and the City will be notified that you are no longer participating in the tax deferral program. Once an account is closed, you will need to reapply to the program if you wish to defer future year's taxes.
To get your deferred account balance, please contact the Province at 1-888-355-2700.