New information required on the Property Transfer Tax return as of Nov. 27

BCREA has advised that as of November 27, 2017, the BC Government will require a new version (version 29) of the Property Transfer Tax (PTT) return. The following new information will be collected by lawyers and notaries when completing the PTT return:

From buyers:

  • Date of birth
  • Business Number (corporate transferee)
  • Individual Tax Number (foreign buyer, if applicable)
  • Provincial Nominee Program and certificate number (foreign buyer, if applicable)
  • Whether property will be used as a principal residence
  • Daytime phone number for each buyer

From sellers:

  • Residency status under the Income Tax Act
  • Contact information:
    • Address
    • Phone number

The Land Title and Survey Authority may refuse to complete the land transfer if all of the information isn’t included on the PTT return.

What REALTORS® need to know:

  • You don’t have to make any changes to your practice or the information you collect.
  • If your client asks whether the conveyancer needs their personal information, you can confirm that the information is required or the property transfer might not go through.
  • If you anticipate that a tax issue may arise for a client in relation to a real estate transaction, advise your client to seek independent professional advice.
  • As a licensee, it is your duty under the Real Estate Services Act to always advise clients to seek independent professional advice on any matters outside of your expertise.

More information: