The City determines property taxes by applying the assessed value of properties from the BC Assessment Authority to the current tax rate(s) to arrive at the amount of taxes owing each year. Most Cities have a number of payment options that enable residents to pay their taxes in monthly installments in advance. Ways to pay your property taxes:

• Telephone Banking
• Internet Banking (If using the telephone or internet don’t forget to submit your Home Owner Grant Application to City Hall.)
• In person at most financial institutions
• By mail to your City Hall
• In person at City Hall (between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m.)
• In the Drop Box at your City Hall

Homeowner Grants

The purpose of the Provincial Homeowner Grant is to reduce the burden of residential taxes for property owners who live in their residences. In most cases, the grant entitles eligible owners to a maximum reduction in property taxes of approximately $570 ($845 for seniors).

To receive the Homeowner Grant, homeowners complete an application form each year and they must be eligible at the time they make the application - they must be the registered owner, occupying the residence on a permanent basis. The Homeowner Grant amount is noted on the property tax notice, so if homeowners qualify, they simply fill in the application that is attached to the notice, and pay the reduced amount when they pay their taxes.

Penalties

A 10% penalty charge will be added to the amount owing if property taxes are not paid by the due date, (including amounts owing for unclaimed Home Owner Grants). Example, if the total outstanding taxes are $1,000, the penalty charged is $100, so the balance due would then be $1,100. The City has no authority to either waive or modify these penalty amounts. A payment that is one day late is subjected to the same penalty as a payment of taxes six months after the due date. It is a requirement of the Local Government Act that these penalties be added.

For more information on the Home Owner Grant or Property Purchase Tax, contact:

Ministry of Provincial Revenue
Property Transfer Tax Office

Mailing Address:
PO Box 9427 Stn Prov Govt
Victoria, BC V8W 9V1

Tel: 250-387-0604
Fax: 250-953-3094
www.rev.gov.bc.ca