NOTARY PUBLIC VANCOUVER - JEROME TSANG NOTARY PUBLIC & YUN JIN (LUCY) KIM NOTARY PUBLIC
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Understanding the Scope of a BC Notary Public

5/25/2026

 
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In British Columbia, a Notary Public plays an important role in helping individuals and families handle key legal matters—especially those that require reliability, clarity, and proper documentation. While notaries are not lawyers, they are highly trained legal professionals with a defined scope of practice focused on non-contentious matters.

What Can a BC Notary Do?
A BC Notary Public is authorized through the Society of Notaries Public of British Columbia to provide a range of legal services, including:

  • Real Estate Transactions: Preparing and registering documents for purchases, sales, mortgages, and refinances through the Land Title and Survey Authority of British Columbia.
  • Wills & Estate Planning: Drafting simple wills, powers of attorney, and representation agreements.
  • Notarizations: Certifying true copies, witnessing signatures, and administering oaths and affidavits.
  • Authentication & Certification: Assisting with documents intended for use outside of Canada.

What Is Outside a Notary’s Scope?
BC Notaries generally do not handle contentious legal matters, such as disputes, litigation, or complex family law issues. In those situations, clients are typically referred to a lawyer.

Why This Matters to Clients
The scope of a BC Notary’s practice is designed to provide accessible and efficient legal services for everyday needs—particularly in real estate and estate planning. For many transactions, working with a Notary can be a cost-effective and streamlined option.

Let us handle the paperwork for your next big milestone.  Click here to reach out today to see how we can help.

Empty homes tax (vacancy TAX)

11/8/2017

 
The City of Vancouver has implemented an annual tax on empty or under-utilized residential properties called the Empty Homes Tax.  Every owner of residential property in Vancouver is required to submit a property status declaration each year to determine if their property is subject to the tax.
  • The Empty Homes Tax will be applied annually, with the first tax year beginning on January 1, 2017.
  • Properties are considered to be vacant if they have been unoccupied for more than 180 days during the tax year (Jan 1, 2017 – Dec 31, 2017).
  • The rate of the Empty Homes Tax is 1% of a property’s assessed taxable value.
  • The Empty Homes Tax will only apply to Class 1 Residential* properties that were not used as a principal residence or rented for at least six months of the year, and do not qualify for an exemption.
  • Class 1 Residential* properties include: single-family residences, multi-family residences, duplexes, apartments, condominiums, nursing homes, seasonal dwellings, manufactured homes, some vacant land, farm buildings and daycare facilities.​
  • For 2017, you must submit your 2017 property status declaration by February 2, 2018.

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Hours of Operation

Monday 9:00am to 5:30pm
Tuesday 9:00am to 5:30pm
Wednesday 9:00am to 5:30pm
Thursday 9:00am to 5:30pm
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Sunday Closed

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5704 Balsam Street, Vancouver, BC
​V6M 4B9
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  • Home
  • About Us
  • What we do
    • Real Estate >
      • Quotation Request Real Estate
    • Personal Planning >
      • Quotation Request Personal Planning
    • Notarization >
      • Quotation Request Notarization
    • Apostille
  • Contact Us
  • Projects
  • News & resources
    • FTHB PTT Exemption
    • Newly Built Home PTT Exemption
    • FTHB GST Rebate
    • Understanding Foreclosure