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A foreign corporation buys a commercial office building in downtown Vancouver for $20,000,000. The property contains no residential space. How much Property Transfer Tax is payable?

Correct Answer

C) $578,000 in general Property Transfer Tax only

The general tax is 1% of $200,000 ($2,000) + 2% of $1,800,000 ($36,000) + 3% of $18,000,000 ($540,000) = $578,000. The 20% additional tax applies only to residential property in a specified area, and the further 2% above $3,000,000 applies only to residential value, so neither applies to an office building.

Answer Options
A
$4,578,000 including the 20% additional tax
B
$978,000 including a further 2% above $3 million
C
$578,000 in general Property Transfer Tax only
D
$600,000 at a flat 3% rate on the whole price

Why This Is the Correct Answer

Only the general tax applies: $2,000 + $36,000 + $540,000 = $578,000. The buyer's foreign status does not matter because the additional tax targets residential property.

Why the Other Options Are Wrong

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Key Terms

additional property transfer taxcommercial propertyforeign entitygeneral tax brackets
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