After City Council approved property tax rates earlier in May, the City of Kamloops says homeowners can expect to receive their 2022 tax bill starting this week.
City of Kamloops Revenue and Tax Manager Cara Dawson says while taxes are going up by 4.92-percent this year, that doesn’t mean it’s the same for everyone, noting the taxes are based on the assessed value of the property.
She says the average property value saw an increase of 27 per cent last year.
“If you saw around that 27 per cent increase in your assessment, you will see on average a five per cent increase in your taxes, if you saw less than that, you will probably see a less than five per cent increase on your tax bill,” adding that some properties in Kamloops saw an increase of over 45 per cent.
However, despite having rough estimates, Dawson explains it is difficult to say just how much the average home owner is going to have to pay this year.
“That average homeowner is a little bit fictitious because you would have to have exactly the average assessment last year and exactly the average assessment this year,” added Dawson.
“I did actually research it this year and there were only two home owners in the entire city that had those averages both years.”
Those who might not be able to pay right away can apply to the province for interim relief; however only if you fall into certain categories.
“One is for seniors, and I believe that age threshold is 55 for the deferral program and the other is families with children.”
Property taxes and Home Owner Grant (HOG) applications are due July 4; a 10 per cent late fee is charged for those who do not pay on time.
Administration says there are several ways Kamloopsians can pay their tax bill this year, which includes an increase in drop box locations and in person payment options.
Pay In Person Options:
- Kamloops City Hall
- Tournament Capital Centre
Monday to Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Dropbox locations:
- Kamloops City Hall – 7 Victoria Street West
- Tournament Capital Centre – 910 McGill Road
- North Shore Community Policing Office – 915 7th Street
- Westsyde Pool and Fitness Centre – 859 Bebek Road.
The City Hall dropbox is accessible from the exterior and is available 24/7. The other dropboxes are located inside and are accessible during facility hours, said the City in a release.
Pay Online:
Last year, the City provided residents the option to pay for taxes online or in person with Visa or Mastercard, these services will still be available in 2022 with the same non-refundable 1.75 per cent service fee. Property taxes can also be paid from the comfort of your own home via phone or online banking.
Looking ahead to 2023 property taxes, those wanting to sign up for e-billing of their property taxes next year, can register, online.
A Tax Installment Plan Service, is also available for sign up for anyone looking to make monthly payments towards their 2023 property taxes.