Kelowna property tax notices now in the mail

Property tax notices are now in the mail for homeowners across Kelowna.

The city says notices should begin arriving in mailboxes and email inboxes this week.

Payments must be received by the city by Tuesday, July 2 to avoid a 10% late payment penalty.

Homeowners can pay their property tax by dropping a cheque off at city hall, mailing cheques to the city, paying through online or telephone banking, in-person at a bank or with a credit card online (a 2.3% transaction fee will apply.)

“The City is reminding property owners that Monday, July 1 is a statutory holiday and recommends making payments early as banks and credit card companies can take up to three business days to process payments,” says a news release.

This year’s notice includes a tax rate increase of 4.72%, which was adopted by city council earlier this month.

According to the city this translates to an additional $9.33 a month for the average residential property tax bill.

“City taxes are only one portion of the property tax bill, which also includes other levies the City collects on behalf of the Province of BC, the Regional District of Central Okanagan, Okanagan Library and BC Assessment Authority,” the city’s news release says.

General property taxes make up about 22% of the city’s operational revenues. Other revenues include reserves, grants, user fees and income from self-funding business units.

The city says residents can register online to access and manage their property tax, utility and business license.

Residents can also see if their Home Owner Grant (HOG) application has been applied.

The city reminds residents that HOG applications are available on the province’s website or by calling 1-888-355-2700.

Applications must be submitted before the July 2 deadline.