How to Appeal Your 2026 BC Assessment in Kelowna (Step-by-Step)
Every January, homeowners across Kelowna open their BC Assessment notice and ask the same question:
“Should I appeal this?”
Sometimes the answer is yes.
Most of the time, the answer is no.
This guide walks you through the exact steps, the real risks, and the mistakes we see every year—so you don’t waste time or hurt your position.
Step 1 – Decide If an Appeal Is Worth It
Before you do anything, run this quick test.
An appeal might make sense if:
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Your home details are wrong (size, bedrooms, bathrooms)
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Finished space is listed as unfinished
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Very similar homes SOLD for less before July 1, 2025
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You’re in a condo building with clear inferior location or layout
An appeal is usually not worth it if:
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You’re using active listings
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You’re comparing to a different street or view
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Your home is unique or high-end
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You’re appealing just because taxes went up
Simple rule:
If buyers wouldn’t use your evidence to negotiate, BC Assessment won’t either.
Step 2 – Gather the Right Evidence
This is where most appeals fail.
What works:
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Sold properties only
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Sales close to July 1, 2025
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Same street or immediate area
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Similar size, age, condition, and layout
What does NOT work:
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Listings (they are opinions, not proof)
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Sales after July 1, 2025
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“My neighbour said…”
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Renovation receipts without market impact
BC Assessment uses mass appraisal. You need to show why your home breaks the average.
Step 3 – File the Appeal
The appeal is filed online through BC Assessment.
Key things to know:
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Deadline is early February (don’t wait)
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You are appealing value, not taxes
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You don’t need a lawyer
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Keep it factual and calm
Once filed, BC Assessment will review your data and may contact you for more info.
Step 4 – What Happens Next
There are only three outcomes:
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Assessment lowered
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Assessment stays the same
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Assessment increases (yes, this happens)
Timelines:
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Informal review first
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If unresolved, it may go to a review panel
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Final decision often comes months later
Important risk:
If your evidence is weak, you can accidentally confirm a higher value.
Common BC Assessment Appeal Mistakes We See in Kelowna
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Using listings instead of solds
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Ignoring micro-location (busy road, views, privacy)
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Comparing across neighbourhoods
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Appealing emotional value, not market value
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Filing without a sanity check
Most failed appeals weren’t “wrong”—they were just poorly supported.
Final Thought
BC Assessment is a tax tool, not a pricing tool.
Appealing can help—but only when the facts are on your side.
Call to Action
Value first:
👉 We’ll sanity-check your assessment before you file.
No pressure. Just clarity.
Mark Coons, BBA, CE
REALTOR® | eXp Realty Kelowna
Team Lead, Selling Okanagan Group
Relocated to Kelowna in 2018
📞 778-744-0872
📩 [email protected]
