By Deb White, White House Mortgages

As homeowners, we often focus on mortgage payments, home maintenance, and insurance costs, but one important responsibility that can sometimes be overlooked is property taxes.

Property taxes help fund essential services in our communities, including schools, emergency services, road maintenance, parks, and other local infrastructure. Staying on top of your property tax obligations helps avoid penalties, interest charges, and unnecessary stress.

Watch for Your Property Tax Notice

Property tax notices are typically mailed out by your municipality each year. Even if you receive your notice electronically, it’s important to review it carefully to ensure all information is accurate and to confirm the amount owing.

If your mortgage lender collects property taxes on your behalf, they will generally make the payment directly to the municipality when taxes are due. However, homeowners should still review their tax notice when it arrives.

Don’t Forget to Claim Your Home Owner Grant

One of the most common and costly mistakes homeowners make is forgetting to claim their Home Owner Grant.

If the property is your principal residence, you may qualify for the grant, which can significantly reduce the amount of property tax you owe.

Many homeowners mistakenly believe the grant is automatically applied. In British Columbia, you must claim the grant each year, even if your mortgage lender pays your property taxes on your behalf.

Failing to claim the grant before the deadline could result in paying more property tax than necessary, and penalties may apply if the claim is submitted late.

A Quick Checklist

When your property tax notice arrives:

✔ Review the notice carefully.

✔ Confirm whether your lender is paying your property taxes.

✔ Claim your Home Owner Grant if the property is your principal residence.

✔ Ensure all deadlines are met to avoid penalties and interest.

Need Help Understanding Your Mortgage?

At White House Mortgages, we’re here to help homeowners navigate all aspects of homeownership—not just mortgage financing. If you have questions about your mortgage, property tax payments, or your lender’s tax collection process, don’t hesitate to reach out.

Owning a home comes with many responsibilities, but with a little planning and attention to important deadlines, you can avoid unnecessary costs and keep your homeownership journey on track.

Deb White
President & Mortgage Broker
White House Mortgages