Following guidance from the province's Restart BC Plan and new health and safety regulations from WorkSafeBC, we are taking all necessary steps to protect public health and maintain the safety of our employees.
Deadlines and penalties
Important dates for 2020
| Date | What's due? | Penalty for missed date |
|---|---|---|
| July 2 |
|
2% * |
| August 1 | Tax and Utility Prepayment Plan (PAWS) deductions start | |
| September 1 | Last day to pay for 2020 residential and utility properties tax and annual utility payments before additional penalty applies | Additional 8% * |
| September 28 | Tax sale date | |
| September 30 | Last day to pay property tax payment for commercial properties and recreational facilities | 10% * |
| December 31 | Any balance for 2020 still outstanding after today will be moved into arrears | Daily interest on balance |
* Provincial legislation mandates that a 10% penalty is applied to unpaid property taxes in the current year. In 2020, this short-term financial relief is provided:
- Residents and owners of utility properties — A reduced penalty rate of 2% is applied after July 2, with the remaining 8% applied after September 1, 2020.
- Commercial properties and recreational facilities — A 10% penalty will be added after September 30.
Help with property taxes during the COVID-19 pandemic
Right now, it’s as important as ever to pay your municipal property taxes on time. We rely on this revenue to deliver the important municipal services you've come to expect. If your financial situation means you may not be able to pay your property taxes on time, please consider deferring your property taxes. You may also qualify for the financial assistance that the provincial and federal governments are making available.
What happens if you do not pay your property taxes on time
Late payment penalties of up to 10% will be applied to outstanding balances.
Unpaid tax balances will be placed in arrears at the end of the calendar year. If the balance continues to be unpaid at the end of the following calendar year, your account will be considered delinquent.
Accounts in arrears or delinquent are subject to daily interest charges. There is also a risk that your property will be sold at auction to recover taxes owing.
If you find yourself with outstanding taxes, please contact us to discuss your situation. Our goal is to help you bring your tax account into good standing. Call 604.990.2488.
Example late fees, interest, and other penalties: Residential and utility properties
Here is an example of how an unpaid balance would be handled, based on a 2020 tax bill:
| If... | Then... |
|---|---|
| Your 2020 bill is not paid by the first working day in July, 2020 | We charge a 2% late penalty |
| Your 2020 bill plus 2% late penalty is not paid by the first working day in September, 2020 | We charge a second 8% late penalty |
| Your 2020 bill plus late penalties is not paid by December 31, 2020 | We move your balance to arrears on January 1, 2021 and begin charging daily interest |
| Your 2020 tax bill, late penalties, and interest accrued during 2021 is not paid by December 31, 2021 | We consider your balance delinquent on January 1, 2022 and continue charging daily interest |
| Your 2020 tax bill, late penalties, plus interest accrued during 2021 and 2022 is not paid by the last Monday in September, 2022 | Your property would be sold at a tax sale in late September of 2022 to recover the outstanding tax balance and any interest |
Example late fees, interest, and other penalties: Commercial properties or recreational facilities
Here is an example of how an unpaid balance would be handled, based on a 2020 tax bill:
| If... | Then... |
|---|---|
| Your 2020 bill is not paid by September 30, 2020 | We charge a 10% late penalty |
| Your 2020 bill plus late penalties is not paid by December 31, 2020 | We move your balance to arrears on January 1, 2021 and begin charging daily interest |
| Your 2020 tax bill, late penalties, and interest accrued during 2021 is not paid by December 31, 2021 | We consider your balance delinquent on January 1, 2022 and continue charging daily interest |
| Your 2020 tax bill, late penalties, plus interest accrued during 2021 and 2022 is not paid by the last Monday in September, 2022 | Your property would be sold at a tax sale in late September of 2022 to recover the outstanding tax balance and any interest |
How to avoid paying penalties, interest, or fees
To avoid interest charges and fees on late payments, be sure that, by the due date, you:
- pay your net taxes and utility charges to the District Tax Office
- claim your home owner grant (if eligible)
- submit your property tax deferment application directly to the Ministry of Finance
Fees for returned cheques
Cheques rejected by your financial institution for any reason are considered non-payment of taxes and are subject to applicable penalties and interest charges. In addition, the District will charge an administrative fee for each rejected payment.