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Cranbrook, BC (May 25, 2021) -- Property tax notices for the City of Cranbrook have now been mailed to all property owners on record. If you have not received your notice by the first week of June, please contact City Hall at (250) 489-0233 so that a copy may be forwarded to you.

Although City Hall will be open to the public, it is recommended to pay your property taxes through online banking and claim your Homeowner Grant online through the provincial website.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and to follow physical distancing regulations, City Hall will only be allowing two patrons inside at one time.  Property owners are asked to line up outside City Hall in the designated area.  A staff member will be available outside City Hall at the main doors to assist property owners.

To help keep our staff and customers safe, please refrain from attending City Hall in person if you are exhibiting any symptoms such as fever, cough, runny nose, sore throat, or shortness of breath.

2021 HOMEOWNER GRANT
Effective 2021, Homeowner Grants can no longer be claimed at City Hall, and must be claimed online through the Provincial website (www.gov.bc.ca/homeownergrant), or by phone (1-888-355-2700).

TAX DUE DATE
Taxes are due on July 2, 2021 for all properties, after which time a 10% penalty will be added to any unpaid current taxes.  Homeowner Grants may be claimed even if current taxes are not paid in full.  Penalties apply to Homeowner Grants not claimed by July 2, 2021.

PAYMENT OPTIONS
If you are making payment in person at City Hall, non-cash payments are preferred.  We do accept post-dated cheques, debit card, and credit card payments. Please note a 2.4% convenience fee applies to all credit card payments. Make cheques payable to: City of Cranbrook.

Payment may also be made by telephone/online banking and through most financial institutions.  You must still claim the Homeowner Grant online through the Provincial website (www.gov.bc.ca/homeownergrant), or by phone (1-888-355-2700).

The City of Cranbrook now offers an online payment portal where you can register to receive notifications when bills are ready for viewing. You can view account balances and make payments using  your credit card.  To register for this service, visit the City’s website (www.cranbrook.ca).  You will need your ‘Access Code’ found on the top-left hand side of your Tax Notice underneath the address portion. Please note a 2.4% convenience fee applies to all credit card payments.

PREPAYMENT OF 2022 PROPERTY TAXES
If you are currently participating in the pre-authorized payment program, please note that the prepayment amount on your tax notice includes the June 15th payment.  As your prepayment amounts were based on an estimate there may still be a balance owing.  To avoid a penalty, please review your Tax Notice carefully and make sure you pay any outstanding balance prior to July 2, 2021.  

Any overpayment on the 2021 property taxes will be applied to the first payment(s) for 2022.

If you are interested in enrolling in the monthly pre-authorized payment plan, please contact the Finance Department at 250-489-0233 to obtain an application form.

Monthly tax payments are made through your bank by preauthorized debits on the 15th of each month, starting in July 2021 for the 2022 taxation year.  

2021 TAX DEFERMENT PROGRAMS
Homeowners can apply to have the Province pay their property taxes on their principal residence through their low interest loan program. There are two tax deferment programs you may qualify for:

Regular Deferment Program
•    55 years or older, or widow/widower, or a person with a disability as defined by Regulation; and
•    25% equity position in your home (based on the 2021 BC Assessment property value)

Families with Children Deferment Program
•    Sign a declaration that you are financially supporting a child under the age of 18 at any time during the calendar year; and
•    15% equity position in your home (based on the 2021 BC Assessment property value)

Before applying for any of these tax deferment programs, you must pay all penalties, interest, previous years’ property taxes, and utility charges, as these charges cannot be deferred.

For more information about Property Tax Deferment from the Province of BC, visit https://www.gov.bc.ca/propertytaxdeferment, or call 1-888-355-2700.

Note: Applications and renewals for property tax deferment can only be submitted online through eTaxBC.