The City of White Rock I Financial Services Frequently Asked Questions

1. When are property taxes due?
The 2010 property taxes and Home Owner Grant applications are due Friday, July 2, 2010. A 5% late payment penalty will be added to unpaid current taxes and levies after July 2, 2010. A further 5% penalty will be applied to current taxes and levies unpaid after August 15, 2010. If the completed Home Owner Grant application is not received by these dates, the grant amounts will be considered unpaid taxes and penalties will apply.

2. When will the property tax notices mailed?
The 2010 property tax notices will be mailed during the First week of June 2010. Tax notices are mailed to all registered owners as per the records of the BC Assessment Authority at the time of printing.

3. What if I do not receive my property tax notice?
If you are the registered owner of a White Rock property and you have not received your tax notice by the end of the first week in June, please contact the Tax Department at 604-541-2107, or visit the Tax Department at City Hall, 15322 Buena Vista Avenue, White Rock. New owners should be prepared to provide proof of title transfer in order to receive tax information and must note the title transfer number beside their signature when completing the Home Owner Grant application.

4. How do I claim the Home Owner Grant?
The Home Owner Grant application is on the back the remittance slip at the bottom of your tax notice or can be claimed online. If you are entitled, you must claim the grant every year. You are responsible for the accurate completion of the grant application by the due date. Whether you owe taxes or not, complete, sign, and forward your Home Owner Grant application by July 2, 2010 to avoid penalty on the grant amount. Visit the website for more details at www.sbr.gov.bc.ca/hog/ or call (250) 356-8904.

5. Can I pay my taxes in advance installments? Is there a Property Tax Prepayment Plan?
YES! HERE IS HOW THE PROPERTY TAX PREPAYMENT PLAN WORKS!
The monthly payments will be collected on the first day of each month, starting August 1st and ending on May 1st. There are no withdrawals for the months of June and July.
The amount of your monthly payment is printed on your Tax Notice, and has been calculated by estimating next year’s taxes. To determine your monthly installment, select the amount shown at the bottom of the column which matches your Home Owner Grant eligibility (A, B, or C).

The annual tax notices, mailed to you at the end of May each year, will show your current year’s taxes less the total prepayments including interest earned. You are responsible for paying any difference, as well as applying for the Home Owner Grant by the due date to avoid any penalties.

Your written authorization is required to start, change, or withdraw from the plan. The written notification must be received in the Tax Department 10 business days prior to the next scheduled payment. You can withdraw from the plan at any time. The forms are available at the bottom of the "Prepayment of Taxes" page.

PLEASE NOTE: Existing participants will continue to have their installments automatically withdrawn from their bank account. You need NOT submit another application. The installment amount will be automatically updated commencing August 1st for the following year’s taxes.

HOW DO I JOIN?
All you have to do is complete the authorization form and attach one of your personal cheques marked “VOID”. Forward it to the Finance Department in City Hall prior to July 15th.

6. Am I eligible to defer my property taxes?
Eligible homeowners may apply to have the Provincial Government pay their residential property taxes under a Deferment Agreement. Tax deferment can be of great assistance to owners whose income is limited or fixed.

For 2010, there are three property tax deferment programs available. Information regarding the eligibility requirements and terms of both programs can be found on the “Tax Deferment” page.

If you deferred your taxes in 2009, you will receive a renewal application from the Tax Deferment office. Renewal is not automatic. Please bring your renewal application to the Property Tax Department along with your Home Owner Grant application and payment for your user utility fees.

For further information about the tax deferment programs, visit us at City Hall, telephone the Tax Department at 604-541-2107, or visit the Provincial Government website from here:
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