Re:  Property Transfer Tax

We just heard that the BC government is increasing the PTT by 15% tax for purchasers who are foreign entities.  Here is what we know:

1.A foreign national is one who is not a Canadian citizen or permanent resident.  If it is company that is purchasing, a foreign company is one that is not incorporated in Canada, or incorporated in Canada but controlled in whole or in part by a foreign national or other foreign corporation;

2.The increased tax only applies to properties in the Greater Vancouver Regional District, and does not apply elsewhere in the Province, or the Tsawwassen First Nations Lands;

3.The tax only applies to residential properties, not commercial;

4.This is in addition to the regular PTT to be paid, and is paid on closing;

5.The increased tax is effective August 2, 2016, regardless of when the contract is signed.  Even if the contract was signed weeks ago, if it completes after August 2, 2016 there is a higher tax;

6.We need to confirm the clients SIN number and compare it to an official government document, such as a passport or SIN card.  Prepare your clients to have such ID;

7.The additional tax is payable even if there would normally be an exemption available.  Transfers between related individuals, transmission to surviving joint tenant and other such items now attract the additional tax. 

Once we receive further details we will do our best to keep you posted.

PS. If you have a file closing over the next week or two you should try to move it up to this week. If your client’s lawyer cannot accommodate this, let me know.

Tony Spagnuolo, Barrister & Solicitor

Spagnuolo & Company Lawyers

#300-906 Roderick Avenue

Coquitlam, BC V3K 1R1

Direct Phone: 604-777-7406

Fax: 604-527-8976 

Quick Links… www.spagnuololaw.com and www.bcrealestatelawyers.com