Property taxes are the District's main revenue source for providing services to our community. Tax notices are mailed in early June and are due July 15 (or the next business day if the 15th is a Saturday or Sunday), after which penalties for late payments are applied.
Non-receipt of a tax notice is not recognized as a valid reason for failing to pay taxes by their due date. Provincial legislation and District bylaws do not allow penalties on unpaid taxes to be waived.
| Tax Rates |
|
Each January, BC Assessment sends property owners their assessment notices that are the estimated market value of the property as of July of the previous year. Tax rates are set annually by the municipal governments in order to raise enough revenue from property taxes to cover the annual budget. These rates must be set before May 15 each year. Use the schedule of 2024 Tax Rates to help calculate your property tax rate.
Previous Rates: |
| Understanding Property Taxes |
|
The amount of property tax you pay is determined by the assessed value of your property and the property tax rate for the property class.
For example: Say your property is assessed at $500,000 as of July 1 of the previous year. Since the property tax rate applies to each $1,000 of taxable assessed value, you must divide the assessed value of your property by $1,000. Next, multiply that number by the property tax rate for your property class to determine your property taxes.
Useful Links: How BC Assessment Works (includes 'How Land Use Affects Market Value' infographic)
Videos: Your Property Value Change and Property Taxes Understanding Property Assessments and Property Taxes |
| Tax Sales |
| A tax sale is a public auction of properties within a municipality which have unpaid property taxes from two (2) years prior to the current year. At 10:00 AM on the last Monday in September, the municipal collector must conduct an annual tax sale by offering for sale via public auction each parcel of real property on which the taxes are delinquent. Delinquent taxes are any taxes remaining unpaid on December 31st, two (2) years after the year the tax was imposed. For example, taxes imposed in 2018 and still unpaid become delinquent on January 1, 2020. For more information please refer to Province's Municipal Tax Sale webpage. |
| How to Change Your Mailing Address |
|
Land Title & Survey Authority (LTSA) is the official record keeper of all titles in British Columbia. Whenever there is a property sale, or any change to any title, LTSA notifies the British Columbia Assessment Authority (BCAA) who in turn notifies the municipality.
The address on a title is where information about a property may be sent, such as assessment, property tax and speculation tax notices. Property owners are encouraged to ensure it is an address where they can receive mail. It does not have to be the address of the property.
BC property owners can update the mailing address of a land title online using the BC Services Card app. The option to mail or deliver an application in person by appointment at a Land Title Office is also available. To learn more or start an application, visit www.ltsa.ca/ChangeMailingAddress.
A property owner or their lawyer/notary acting on their behalf can change the mailing address on a property title. There is no charge to update a mailing address with LTSA if done by the property owner. |
Property Information System
| My Account |
| Your property tax and utility account information including your account transactions and balances. |
| Property Information |
|---|
| Public information regarding assessments, property description and tax levy. |
Payment Options
We accept 6 methods of payment.
Contact us for any billing questions.
| Online or Telephone Banking |
| Contact your financial institution and use your 9 digit roll number to ensure your payment is made to the correct account. Please allow enough processing time to avoid late payments, typically up to three business days. |
| In Person |
|
Municipal Hall Payments can be made using cash, cheque or debit*. A dropbox located at our front door is available 24 hours a day. *Credit card is not accepted at the office, for more information on how to pay by credit card open the Credit Card via PaySimply tab below. |
| By Mail |
|
District of Kent Payments must be received by the due date. Postmark dates are not accepted. |
| Mortgage Company |
|
Ask your financial institution about their property tax payment services. |
| Pre-authorized Payment Plan |
|
Debits are withdrawn on the fifteenth of the month from September to May. To register, complete the property tax pre-payment plan application and return it to Municipal Hall, or email the completed form to our office. You may cancel your payment plan at any time, however any pre-payment credits will remain on account. |
| Credit Card via PaySimply |
|
Navigate to the PaySimply homepage and type "Kent BC" into the search bar. Be sure to select the correct option for your payment. You will be asked to enter your email address, the account holder's name, the account number (numerical input only), and the payment amount. The last step will be to enter your credit card information. Once processed, you will be given a transaction number and a receipt will be emailed to you from PaySimply. The payment amount and any associated fees charged by PaySimply will be charged to your credit card.
|
Provincial Tax Programs
| Home Owner Grant |
|
Home Owner Grant
|
| Tax Deferment |
|
This low-interest loan program is operated by the BC Government to help qualified homeowners pay their annual property tax on their primary residence. |
Tax Relief Programs
As provided under Provincial legislation, the District offers several tax relief programs.
| Grants-in-aid |
| The District of Kent may provide financial assistance or a grant-in-aid to non-profit or local organizations that provide services to our community. These grants-in-aid are awarded annually by Council through an application process. |
| Commercial and Industrial Revitalization |
| A program for owners of commercial or industrial property wanting to expand, upgrade or renovate their premises. Further details available at commercial and industrial property revitalization programs. |
| Permissive Tax Exemption |
| A permissive tax exemption is a means for Council to support organizations within the community which further Council's objectives of enhancing quality of life (economic, social, cultural) and delivering services economically.
The District has five categories of permissive exemptions:
Contact the Director of Financial Services to see if your organization qualifies. If you have previously qualified for a permissive tax exemption, you may complete the permissive tax exemption renewal form. Applications must be submitted annually by August 15th to be considered for the following year. |
Contact Us
Subscribe to this Page