Do you know how that you can apply for a fuel tax refund if you have a disability? If you have a qualifying disability, you may be eligible to register for the fuel tax refund program. Once you are registered for the program, you can apply for a refund of the provincial fuel tax you pay on fuel used in your vehicle based on your fuel receipts. Note that this refund program does not apply to carbon tax and you cannot claim a carbon tax refund.
To qualify for the fuel tax refund program, you need to meet the following three criteria:
You have a qualifying disability. Qualifying disabilities include doctor certification that you have impairment of movement for you to use public transportation (whether or not public transportation is available), doctor certification that you have permanent sight impairment to the extent that you are not eligible to hold a B.C. drivers licence or you are permanently dependent on a wheelchair. There are a number of other qualifying disabilities, full details can be found at the website: www.gov.bc.ca and search for “Fuel Tax Refund Program.”
To register, you complete the Application for Registration for the Fuel Tax Refund Program for Persons with Disabilities; this form is available on the previously mentioned website or any Service BC Centre.
You are able to claim a maximum of four years of fuel purchases at a time, depending on the effective date of your qualification. Original fuel receipts must be submitted for refund claims as they provide evidence you paid fuel tax. The ministry recognizes that you may not have collected fuel receipts prior to receiving your letter confirming your registration so they may make a one-time exception.
The ministry may accept alternatives such as credit card or debit card statements, bank account statements or notarized statements confirming your average fuel purchases. You may claim fuel purchased for more than one vehicle if you sold your vehicle and purchased another one, as long as you do not claim two vehicles for the same period.
There are other benefit programs available for people with disabilities. If you qualify for the fuel tax refund program, you can take your confirmation letter to your ICBC agent to obtain an insurance discount.