CITY – July 4 deadline looms for payment of property taxes

Kamloops property owners have one more week to pay their property taxes before a 10 per cent penalty for late payment is applied on July 5. Property tax notices for 2022 were sent out in May informing property owners of their balance owing and the due date of July 4.

The City says there are multiple convenient ways to pay property taxes, including paying online with Visa or Mastercard. All credit card payments for taxes and utilities are subject to a non-refundable, 1.75 per cent service fee. To pay property taxes online, residents can visit Kamloops.ca/Payment.

Other payment options include using phone or online banking, paying by mail, drop box, or in person.  In 2022, the City added an additional place to pay in-person at the Tournament Capital Centre (8:30–3:30, Monday–Friday) and an additional drop box location at Westsyde Pool and Fitness Centre (during facility hours). A full list of payment locations and hours is available at Kamloops.ca/PropertyTax.

Residents are also reminded that Home Owner Grants (HOGs) are also due July 4 and must be applied for separately through the provincial government. In January 2021, the provincial government took over full management of the HOG application process resulting in municipalities no longer accepting applications. To apply for a HOG, visit Gov.BC.ca/HomeOwnerGrant or call 1-888-355-2700.

Residents experiencing financial difficulties this year should note that HOGs can be applied for without making a tax payment, which will reduce the tax balance owing.

Partial payments before the due date will also reduce the penalty incurred. Residents experiencing difficulties are encouraged to look into the BC Property Tax Deferment Program for additional support.

To sign up for e-billing for 2023 property taxes, residents can register and add their property tax account at Kamloops.ca/MyCity. Residents can also sign up for the Tax Installment Plan Service (TIPS), which will break their 2023 property tax estimate into smaller monthly payments that will be automatically withdrawn from their bank accounts. Application forms are available online at Kamloops.ca/TIPS.

For more details on property taxes and HOGs, visit Kamloops.ca/PropertyTax.