WEST KELOWNA - Start checking your mailboxes for the 2014 District of West Kelowna tax notices sent out this week to over 13,000 property owners.

Taxes are due by 4:30 p.m. Friday, July 4 and can be paid through most financial institutions (online or in person); by mail or courier to 2760 Cameron Road, West Kelowna, BC  V1Z 2T6; or in person at Municipal Hall, 2760 Cameron Road, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday to Friday, excluding holidays.

If you are unable to visit Municipal Hall during business hours, please use the drop box located on the wall to the right of the main entrance. Please ensure payment is placed in an envelope, stapled to accompanying paperwork and forms are completed in full. Please do not pay by cash in this drop box.

Avoid line ups by claiming the Home Owner Grant online at www.districtofwestkelowna.ca, select “Online Services” and follow the instructions. Once you’ve claimed the grant, you can also pay taxes online by selecting the link to your financial institution and selecting “West Kelowna – Taxes” as the bill payee.

While efforts are made to create efficiencies during tax season, time delays can be minimized. If claiming a Home Owner Grant in person, ensure the application on your your tax notice is completed in full and signed before visiting the tax wicket. Time delays can also be minimized by applying for your Home Owner Grant, regardless of method of payment (i.e. whether taxes are paid through pre-authorized payment plan or by a mortgage company). If paying by cheque, fill it out in advance, include your tax roll number, and make the cheque payable to the District of West Kelowna.

Current taxes that are not paid by the close of business on July 4 are subject to a 10% penalty. If you are unable to pay your full tax bill, you can reduce the penalty by paying as much as possible and by claiming your Home Owner Grant by July 4. Please note that postmarks are not accepted as proof of payment date.

For more information please call the District of West Kelowna Tax Department at 778-797-8860.

To contact the reporter for this story, email Adam Proskiw at aproskiw@infotelnews.ca or call 250-718-0428. To contact the editor, email mjones@infotelnews.ca or call 250-718-2724.

News from © iNFOnews, 2014