Tax FAQs

Tax FAQs

• When is the last day to pay taxes without penalty?

  TAXES ARE DUE JULY 2, 2024
  

  Payments will be accepted without penalty if:

  • Delivered by 4:30 p.m. on July 2, 2024, to the Financial Services counter at City Hall.
  • Delivered by 11:59 p.m. on July 2, 2024, through the secure, 24-hour mail slot (drop-box) next to the front doors at City Hall.
  • Through online banking if payment is received by the City by 11:59 p.m. PDT on July 2, 2024. Allow banks two to three business days to process payments.
  • Received at City Hall via mail or courier no later than 4:30 p.m. on July 2, 2024.
  • Delivered to your financial institution and date stamped July 2, 2024 or earlier.

• What if I don’t pay?

  A 10% penalty will be applied on all outstanding current tax balances and on any payments received after July 2, 2024. Penalties are also applied to any balance owing due to an unclaimed Home Owner Grant.

• How can I pay?

  Cheque (including post-dated cheques), money order, debit card, to July 2, 2024, or by online banking services (contact your bank to sign up).
  
  The City now accepts credit card payments online or in the office (subject to cost recovery fee currently at 2%)

• Where can I pay?

  • At your financial institution in person or through online banking. Payment must be received by the City by 11:59 p.m. PDT on July 2, 2024. Allow banks two to three business days to process payments.
  • Online at the City's website with a credit card
  • In person at City Hall (drop box available after hours)
  • By mail or courier to:

  City of Campbell River, Tax Department
  301 St. Ann’s Road
  Campbell River, BC V9W 4C7

  *Mail must be received by 4:30 p.m. on July 2, 2024, to avoid a 10% penalty. Mail lost or delayed by the post office will be subject to a penalty.
  
  Learn more
  How to pay property taxes online through your financial institution

• What if I sold the property?

  Return the notice to City Hall.

• CAN I CHECK MY PROPERTY TAX PAYMENTS ONLINE?

  Yes, you can access your property tax information online at MyCity and confirm if your payment(s) has been applied. Create a secure MyCity profile and register your property tax account to view transaction details and current balance; check the status of your home owner grant; and sign up for paperless eBilling. To get started, you need a valid email address, telephone number, password, security question and answer, and the access code and folio number from your property tax notice. Login or register for MyCity.

• What are pre-authorized withdrawals (PAWS)?

  Pre-Authorized Withdrawals are a way to make monthly payments towards the upcoming year's property taxes through an automatic deduction from your bank account. Monthly payments will be automatically withdrawn from your bank account on the 10th day of each month, starting in August and ending in May. You may enrol in PAWS at any time and the monthly payments will be prorated to reflect the start date. An annual tax notice will be mailed to you at the end of May each year and show your current year’s taxes less the total prepayments and interest earned. The balance owing will be withdrawn from your account on the tax due date in July of each year.

• How do I apply for PAWS?

  • Make sure your property tax account is current.
  • Complete the Pre-Authorized Withdrawal Agreement - PAWs Application Form.     
  • Attach a void cheque to your application and email taxes@campbellriver.ca, or deliver the application package in person or send it by mail to: Finance Department, City Hall, 301 St. Ann’s Road, V9W 4C7.
  • The withdrawals will commence on the 10th of the following month after the application is received.
  • The agreement carries on each year until you provide notice to cancel it.

• Do I have to claim my Home Owner Grant if I am enrolled in PAWS?

  Yes, property taxpayers in the PAWS program must claim their Home Owner Grant each year. The final payment withdrawn in July will be based on the taxes still owing on the due date. Homeowners in the PAWS program should claim their Home Owner Grant no later than June 15 to ensure the correct amount is withdrawn on the due date. An unclaimed Home Owner Grant is subject to a 10% penalty.  

• What happens if I sell my house?

  If you sell your house, cancel your PAWS by notifying the City’s Finance Department in writing at least two weeks before the next payment is to be made. To assist with necessary adjustments to any sales transaction, a Tax Certificate will be available to your solicitor or notary showing the total prepayments. The City will not issue a refund. 

• How is the PAWS monthly payment amount calculated?

  Your monthly PAWS payment amount is an estimate, based on one-eleventh of your last year’s NET tax payable (after Home Owner Grant, if applicable) plus an inflationary factor of 5%. The amount of your regular monthly payment for the next year will be included in your annual tax notice. Prepayments for the next tax year will begin on August 10 each year.

• Will I earn interest on my tax prepayments?

  Yes. An interest rate 2 percent below the prime lending rate will be earned on all prepayments until May 31. Interest rates paid will vary annually with market fluctuations.
  
  Remember:  

  • All outstanding property taxes must be paid in full prior to joining the PAWS program. 

  • Between August and May, 10 equal monthly installments will be made by automatic deduction from the pre-authorized account.  

  • The difference between the prepaid amount, plus the interest earned and the actual taxes levied will be payable (and automatically withdrawn) on the tax due date in July of the current year.  

  • The taxpayer is responsible for claiming the Home Owner Grant (if eligible) by the tax due date. 

  • The Collector reserves the right to cancel the privilege of participation in the program due to multiple dishonoured payments with written notice.  

  • A taxpayer participating in the program may withdraw from the program at any time. The amount paid to date will remain in the tax account.  

  • There are no refunds for tax prepayments. 

   

  For more information, visit campbellriver.ca/property-taxes. Questions? Call 250-286-5715, email taxes@campbellriver.ca, or visit us in person at 301 St. Ann’s Road.