Q.

I haven't received my tax notice. What should I do?

A.

Our Finance Department mails notices the first week of June each year. If you have not received your tax notice by the second week of June please call 250-478-5999 or email propertytax@colwood.ca and request a copy of your tax notice. Our front counter support team can mail or email a copy of your tax notice to you.

Q.

How can I notify BC Assessment that my address has changed?

A.

If you have recently changed your mailing address, or if you own properties other than your principal residence, please advise BC Assessment by completing their Change of Address Notification Form.

Q.

Can I defer payment of my property taxes?

A.

If you are 55 or older, a surviving spouse or a person with a disability, you may be eligible for the Province of BC Property Tax Deferment program. The Province of BC also offers a Families with Children deferment program for taxpayers who meet specific criteria. For detailed information on the programs, visit the Property Tax Deferment program website.

Q.

Who should I contact if I need more information about property taxes?

A.

If you need more information that what is provided on the City website, please contact the Colwood Finance Department at finance@colwood.ca or 250-294-8150.

Q.

How do I purchase a Tax Certificate?

A.

myLTSA:  If you have an account, log in and from the main menu, select Service Providers and Order Tax Certificates. More information about myLTSA and how to become a customer is available on the LTSA website.

APIC: If you prefer to pay for the tax certificate by credit card, please go to APIC Canada's website to open an account and order your Tax Certificate.

The city cannot provide tax certificate information over the phone.

Q.

When is the Property Tax Payment Due Date?

A.

Property taxes are due the first business day in July. Payment for your 2022 property taxes is due on Monday, July 4, 2022.

Q.

What happens if I don't pay my property taxes by the due date?

A.

If you are unable to pay your property taxes in full by the Property Tax Due Date, or fail to claim (if eligible) the Home Owner Grant, you will be charged a penalty. Please see the back of your tax notice or www.colwood.ca/propertytax for additional detail.

Q.

I can't pay my taxes this year. What should I do?

A.

Make sure to claim your Home Owner Grant online (if you are eligible). If you are unable to pay your property taxes in full by the Property Tax Due Date, you will be charged a penalty. On January 1st, outstanding balances are charged daily interest.

You may be eligible for a Property Tax Deferment program. Please visit the Province of BC Property Tax Deferment website for further information on these low interest loan options.

Q.

I think that my property taxes are too high. Can I appeal them?

A.

No. Each year the tax rates are set by taxing authorities such as the Province of BC, the School District, the Capital Regional District, the Regional Hospital District, BC Transit, the BC Assessment Authority and the City of Colwood. Rates are based on each agency's respective budget and the total municipal assessment. All residential properties in Colwood are taxed at the same tax rate.

If you would like to appeal your property assessment, you must do so through BC Assessment . You must file your appeal by the end of January in the assessment year.

Q.

Can I pay my property taxes with a credit card?

A.

No, the City does not accept any credit cards for property tax payments. We do accept interact, cheques (including Visa cheques), cash or money order payments. If using interact, please ensure your account is not limited by a daily maximum limit.

Q.

My mortgage company pays my property taxes. Is there anything else that I need to do?

A.

Yes, even if your mortgage company pays your property taxes, you must ensure that you claim your Home Owner Grant if you are eligible. Your mortgage company will not claim the Home Owner Grant on your behalf. If you do not claim your Home Owner Grant by the Property Tax Payment Due Date, the outstanding balance on your tax account, equal to your unclaimed Home Owner Grant, will incur a penalty.

Q.

Can I access my property tax information online?

A.

Not at this time. The City is working towards an online property tax information system which will be made available to residents in the next few years.

Q.

If I can't pay my taxes, will you sell my house by public auction?

A.

Properties that have outstanding property taxes from 2 years prior as well as the current year will be offered for Tax Sale at a public auction. You do not have to pay all three year's worth of taxes to keep your property from being sold, but the delinquent taxes (the oldest) must be paid to avoid Tax Sale. Please contact the Colwood Finance Department at 250-294-8150 or email finance@colwood.ca for more information.

Q.

I received a tax notice for my property but it's not my name. What should I do?

A.

If your name does not appear on the tax notice but you are the registered owner, please contact the Finance Department  250-294-8150 or by email  finance@colwood.ca

Q.

I received a property tax notice for a property that I no longer own. What should I do?

A.

If you have the information for the new owner, you should forward the tax notice to them. Alternatively, you can return the document to Colwood City Hall.

Q.

What is the Home Owner Grant?

A.

The Home Owner Grant is designed to help reduce the amount of residential property tax homeowners pay. There are two types of Home Owner Grants: the basic grant and the additional grant. The basic grant may reduce your property taxes by as much as $570. The additional grant may reduce your taxes by as much as $845. Homeowners may only apply for one grant in the calendar year. The Home Owner Grant does not apply to delinquent taxes or penalties, interest or fees.

Q.

If I am selling my home, who should apply for the Home Owner Grant and pay the taxes?

A.

If you have not yet sold the property and are eligible for the Home Owner Grant, then you should apply for it. If you have already sold the property and the new owner(s) live at the property, then the new owner(s) should apply for it, assuming that they have not claimed a grant for any other property in this calendar year. Lawyers for buyers and sellers of property normally adjust the purchase/sale price to account for property taxes. If you are unable to see how the taxes were adjusted on your Statement of Adjustments, then you should contact your lawyer or realtor who closed your sale for further clarification.

Q.

The property taxes were paid by the lawyer. What should I do?

A.

Ask your lawyer if you are responsible for claiming the Home Owner Grant. If you are the new owner and you are to apply for the grant, applications may be submitted directly to the B.C. provincial government through a secure online application.

Q.

I didn't claim my Home Owner Grant last year. Can I still claim it?

A.

The Provincial Government allows an extension of time in which to claim a grant for the prior year. You must be the homeowner or eligible occupant and you must meet all residency qualifications up to December 31 of that year. To learn more about the Retroactive Home Owner Grant and if you qualify, visit the provincial website

Q.

Can I apply for the Home Owner Grant even if I don't make a tax payment?

A.

Yes. You may apply for the Home Owner Grant without making a payment. Make sure to apply for the Home Owner Grant on or by the Property Tax Due Date to avoid penalty.

Q.

My spouse is away until after the tax due date. Can I sign the Home Owner Grant on his/her behalf?

A.

Yes, starting in 2017, a registered owner who is unable to sign the home owner grant may give someone verbal or written permission to apply for the grant on their behalf. 

Q.

The property is in my name but my child is living in it. Can he/she claim the grant?

A.

No. Only the registered owner, or agent with owner's permission, can claim a Home Owner Grant if they are eligible. Only one grant can be claimed per year, even if you own multiple properties. If the child's name appears on title, then they can claim the grant if they also meet the other eligibility criteria.

Q.

What if I don't agree with my property's assessment?

A.

Property owners have the option of appealing their property tax assessment by the end of January in the year it relates to. Please visit BC Assessment for more information on the appeal process.