Search Methods

Each of the six search methods is briefly described below.

Folio Number

This is one of the best search methods. You need to know the property's Jurisdiction Number and BC Assessment Folio Number, both of which can be found in correspondence from the Surveyor of Taxes (e.g., Tax Notice).

For example, 754 is the three-digit Jurisdiction Number for Bulkley Valley, and 003513.000 is a unique BC Assessment Folio Number. You would enter both of these numbers in the Folio Number field with a space between them, like this: 754 003513.000

The BC Assessment Folio Number takes the form nnnnnn.nnn (six digits, one decimal, three digits). In the example above, note that leading zeroes were added to ensure that the first part has six digits.

Click Search. If the property tax folio is available, a fee will be charged to your BC OnLine account and you will go to the Search Methods.

 

Parcel Identifier

This is one the best search methods. You need to know the property's Parcel Identifier (PID), which can be found on the Certificate of Title. It uniquely identifies a parcel of land and remains the same even when the land is sold. PIDs are nine digits long. You can find PID numbers in the Land Title Registry, unless the land has been subdivided or resurveyed (in which case, you will need to obtain the legal description of the parent property). If a property's civic address is all you have, use it to search the BC Assessment database. This way, you can find the PID number, then use it in a Parcel Identifier Search.

Click Search. If the property tax folio is available, a fee will be charged to your BC OnLine account and you will go to the Results Screen.

Current Owner Name

This is not recommended as a search method. Name searches are not conclusive, as the property might have sold recently, or the owner might also own several other properties. These possibilities lower your chances of finding a specific property folio. If the owner name is all you have, try going into the Land Title Registry and looking up the Certificate of Title by name. This way, you can find the PID number, then use it in a Parcel Identifier Search.

To perform a Current Owner Name Search, enter as much of the name as you feel is appropriate, in the form: LASTNAME, FIRSTNAME (note the comma after the last name).

Tip
The less you enter, the more names your search will find. For example: WILLIAMS would find everyone named Williams (far too many from which to select). WILLIAMS, MIKE would find Mike Williams, but would not find Michael Williams. WILLIAMS, MI would find everyone named Williams whose first name begins with MI (Michael, Michelle, Mike, Mildred, and so on).

Click Search. You will go to the Multiple Results Screen.

 

Certificate of Title Number

This method is not conclusive, as a Certificate of Title can be cancelled at any time (when a property is sold, the Certificate of Title number changes, but the PID number remains the same). Whenever possible, use the Folio Number Search or Parcel Identifier Search.

If the Certificate of Title number is all you have, the Surveyor of Taxes recommends that you use it to search the Land Title Registry. This way, you can find the PID number, then use it in a Parcel Identifier Search.

 

Manufactured Home

Use this search only if the Manufactured Home is on land that is owned by someone other than the Manufactured Home owner (e.g., if the Manufactured Home is on a rented pad in a trailer park). The Manufactured Home number is available from the Manufactured Home Registry.

Do not use this search if the owner of the Manufactured Home also owns the land on which the Manufactured Home is located. In this case, the Manufactured Home is treated as a house and is assessed along with the land. For such properties, use the Folio Number Search or the Parcel Identifier Search.

 

Crown Land File Number

This search is performed by representatives of the Ministry of Environment, Lands and Parks.