The City of Castlegar is delaying property tax penalties for three months.
Delaying property taxes gives those who need more time until Oct. 1 to pay. The city says it provides “important and timely relief” to the community during the COVID-19 pandemic when many are struggling financially.
This opportunity is available to all residential and commercial taxpayers unable to make their property tax payments by the July 2 due date, giving them a three-month grace period before penalties are applied.
“Residents who can pay their property taxes on time are being encouraged to do so,” said director of finance Ola Oladele. “These taxes make up the bulk of the city’s revenue and we want to balance supporting the community while maintaining a solid financial position so we do not have to borrow to maintain the city’s essential services.”
The grace period is in addition to the other measures announced this month, including relief on utility bills, support for community groups providing on-the-ground and critical services to seniors, the homeless and vulnerable populations, reducing non-essential costs, transferring all savings into a revenue stabilization reserve, and reducing tax rates in 2021.
The city is also developing an online payment solution so residents can pay taxes online.