As British Columbians prepare to file their income taxes, the BC Government wants residents to ensure they claim all the benefits they’re eligible for.
The province estimates that more than ten eligible people in Canada fail to file their taxes, nearly one-quarter of whom are young people aged 18–24.
BC Renters Tax Credit
The BC Renters Tax Credit provides renters with adjusted incomes of up to $63,000 with as much as $400, or a partial credit for adjusted incomes up to $83,000.
To claim the BC Renters Tax Credit, people must fill out Form BC479 (British Columbia Credits) when filing their income tax returns.
BC Family Benefit and Climate Action Tax Credit
Depending on family income, people are automatically enrolled for some benefits and credits when they file their taxes.
These include the BC Family Benefit and the Climate Action Tax Credit.
The BC Family Benefit is deposited in eligible families’ bank accounts around the 20th of each month.
The average family receives an annual total of $2,000 from the BC Family Benefit and the one-time BC Family Benefit Bonus, which lasts until June 2025.
The Climate Action Tax Credit for individuals and families can provide a family of four with as much as $1,008 for the 2024–25 tax year.
The province says more than two million families and individuals will receive more than in the 2023–24 tax year.
Where to find help
BC’s Benefits Connector includes information about supports, including tax credits and benefits.
It also includes help for renters and homeowners, supports for business owners, and ways to save on healthcare, transportation, and education.
For people with simple tax situations, volunteers at free tax clinics can help with tax returns.
The federal government hosts an online directory with information about where to go for help.
One in five people living on very low income don’t file their taxes, missing out on benefits and credits that could help them.
Consider visiting a free tax clinic and using the BC Benefits Connector to get some support in 2025.
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