Home Breadcrumb caret Economy Breadcrumb caret Economic Indicators B.C. announces change to tax grant that offsets property taxes The decision follows a decline in housing prices in the province By The Canadian Press | January 3, 2020 | Last updated on January 3, 2020 1 min read © jakobradlgruber / 123RF Stock Photo The threshold is being lowered for homeowners who qualify for a grant to help offset property taxes in British Columbia. The provincial government says a decline in housing prices is behind the decision to lower the property value threshold to qualify for the full grant. The threshold for 2020 is set at $1.525 million, down from $1.65 million in 2019. The Finance Ministry says 92% of homeowners will be eligible for the full $570 grant in 2020, the same as last year. BC Assessment said Thursday there was an 11% annual decline in the typical value of single-family homes in Vancouver, with the average assessment standing at $1.57 million as of July 1, 2019. Residents whose homes are over the $1.525 million threshold are still able to claim some of the grant, which is reduced by $5 for every $1,000 of assessed value above the threshold. Those 65 and older who are living in their homes in northern and rural areas can claim as much as $1,045 off their annual tax bill under the grant program. Homeowners may also be eligible for property tax deferment if they are 55 years or older or are financially supporting a dependent child. The Canadian Press The Canadian Press is a national news agency headquartered in Toronto and founded in 1917. Save Stroke 1 Print Group 8 Share LI logo