Kelowna property tax payments and home owner grant applications are due by Tuesday, July 2.
There are multiple ways to pay:
“For residents who want to skip the line, making an online payment through their bank is the most convenient method to pay this year’s taxes,” said Angie Schumacher, City of Kelowna Revenue Supervisor. “We recommend making online payments a couple of business days in advance, as some banks hold payments or are located in different time zones. This will help ensure we receive the payment on time and avoid a penalty being applied.”
Allowing enough time for cheques to be mailed is also important, as the postmark is not considered as the date of payment. The City recommends at least five business days and cheques can be post-dated if mailed early.
Payment methods accepted at the City Hall cashiers window: cheque, debit, cash and money orders. City Hall is open Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. It is closed July 1 for the Canada Day statutory holiday.
Residents participating in the pre-authorized withdrawal system (PAWS) are responsible for making their final June payment through their bank or in person at City Hall.
Property owners can also register for the City’s free Online Billing platform to easily access and manage their City tax and utility accounts in one convenient online location, including if they own multiple properties. Once registered, property owners can view their assessment, balance and financial transaction information and historical bills online. Taxpayers can also opt-in to go paperless for the 2020 tax notice. The folio number and access code provided on the tax notice are required to register at billing.kelowna.ca.
As per the provincial Community Charter legislation, taxes outstanding after July 2 will be subject to an automatic five per cent late payment penalty, with a second five per cent penalty applied on amounts owing after Aug. 6.
Some residents may qualify for the provincial tax deferment program, a low-interest loan to pay their annual property taxes on their principle residence. Residents should check their eligibility, apply for the homeowner grant and submit their deferment application to the City of Kelowna in advance of the tax due date.
For more information about property taxes, payment options, home owner grant, deferment program and to register for Online Billing, visit kelowna.ca/propertytax, sign up for e-update, email revenue@kelowna.ca or call 250-469-8757 (option 3).