Image Credit: ADOBE STOCK
April 30, 2020 - 11:32 AM
The City of Kamloops is extending a grace period for property tax filings because of the pandemic but is urging everyone who can pay their taxes on time to do so.
The City has slightly lowered a property tax increase for this year and is extending the grace period for those who can’t pay by the July 2 due date.
Councillors were initially poised to pass a tax increase of 2.97 per cent but dropped it to 2.29 per cent increase from 2019. That should mean an extra $55 for an average priced home.
Normally, a ten per cent penalty is issued to those who miss the deadline by one day. Now, penalties will be waived on late payments up until July 30.
Homeowners who can’t pay during that time will face a five per cent penalty for payments made between July 31 and Sept. 30. Payments made after Oct. 1 are subject to a ten per cent penalty.
Despite the extension of the grace period, the City is urging residents to pay their taxes on time if they can, as property taxes and utility revenue are the primary source of revenue for the City.
“As a property owner, if you are able to pay your taxes on the due date of July 2, please do. This revenue helps the City to keep operating and providing vital services that the public relies on, especially in times like these,” says Kathy Humphrey, the City’s corporate services director in a news release. “We have put contingency measures in place, but we are asking all citizens who can to please pay their taxes by July 2, if at all possible.”
Homeowners are still encouraged to apply for the Home Owners Grant on time to ensure that reduction is reflected in their accounts.
The City reminds residents that the total amount payable on property tax bills doesn’t only reflect their property taxes, but also taxes collected by other external services like the hospital, the school district, and the Thompson-Nicola Regional District.
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