Steps to Claim the Exemption

Administrative Steps to Claim the Exemption

Ensure all the required steps are taken when a purchaser claims the first timehome buyers exemption to avoid confusion and processing delays. The following information highlights areas where purchasers claiming the exemption commonly make errors:

First Time Home Buyers' Property Transfer Tax Return
Any purchaser claiming this exemption must complete the tax return specificallydesigned for the exemption. If a computer generated tax return form is used, it must be stapled to the back of the original blue return form.

The First Time Home Buyers' Property Transfer Tax Return requires the purchaser toprovide information verifying that he or she meets all the requirements for theexemption. Anyone seeking assistance when completing the FTHB tax return maycontact the Property Transfer Tax office at 250 387‐0604.

The purchaser must certify, by signing the return, that he or she meets all therequirements for the exemption. Read this section carefully before signing.

Specific Sections of the Tax Return Form
Many of the sections in the FTHB tax return are the same as those in the general and special tax returns that are also in use. However, several sections are unique to the FTHB tax return and attention should be paid to ensure they are completed correctly. The following document (download) helps a purchaser complete sections A, B, E,F and H of the return. Click to download the Complete Instruction for "Completion of First Time Home Buyer Tax Return, Application, or Application for Refund",


Property Transfer Tax Service
Telephone (Vancouver): 604 660‐2421
Telephone (Victoria): 250 387‐0604
Toll free in Canada: 1 800 663‐7867 (request a transfer to 250 387‐0604)
E‐mail: PTTENQ@gov.bc.ca

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