Property Taxes
Property taxes help fund essential services in the City of Greenwood, including roads, parks, public safety, and community programs. The City collects these taxes annually and also handles collections for other authorities, such as provincial school taxes and Regional District of Kootenay Boundary levies. Tax notices are based on your property's assessed value from BC Assessment and the applicable tax rates set by City Council.
Tax notices are typically mailed out in late May. If you do not receive yours, please contact City Hall immediately to avoid penalties.
How Property Taxes Are Calculated
Your property taxes are determined by multiplying your property's assessed value (provided by BC Assessment) by the applicable tax rate. Tax rates are approved annually by City Council through the Tax Rates Bylaw to meet the City's budgetary needs. For the most current tax rates or to estimate your taxes, contact City Hall or refer to your tax notice.
Payment Options
We offer several convenient ways to pay your property taxes. Please include your tax roll number with all payments for accurate processing.
| Payment Method | Details |
|---|---|
| In Person | Visit City Hall at 202 S. Government Avenue during business hours. Accepted: cash, cheque, debit card, or credit card (Visa/MasterCard with a 2.00% service fee). |
| Drop Box | Located outside City Hall's front door. Use for cheques only; include your tax roll number. |
| By Mail | Send cheques to Box 129, Greenwood, BC V0H 1J0. Post-dated cheques are accepted if dated on or before July 2, 2025. Allow sufficient time for delivery. |
| E-Transfer | Send to [email protected]. Include your tax roll number in the message. Recommended to send 5 business days in advance. |
| Online Banking | Add "City of Greenwood - Taxes" as a payee through your financial institution. Use your 11-digit tax roll number (no spaces or punctuation). Payments may take up to 5 business days to process. Note: Home Owner Grants cannot be claimed this way. |
| Pre-Authorized Payments | Contact City Hall at 250-445-6644 to set up a monthly plan. Ideal for budgeting over the year. |
| Mortgage Company | If your mortgage provider pays your taxes, confirm they have the correct amount. You must still claim your Home Owner Grant separately by the due date. |
Returned cheques (e.g., NSF) incur a $30 fee, and the payment is voided, potentially leading to penalties if not resolved by the due date.
Home Owner Grant
The Home Owner Grant reduces your property taxes if the property is your principal residence. This is a provincial program—apply directly through the Province of British Columbia to claim it.
- Eligibility and application: Visit the provincial Home Owner Grant page for details and to apply online.
- Even if your taxes are paid in full (e.g., via mortgage), you must claim the grant separately.
Property Tax Deferment
If you're facing financial challenges, you may qualify for the provincial Property Tax Deferment Program, a low-interest loan to defer your taxes. Eligibility includes being 55 or older, a surviving spouse, a person with a disability, or financially supporting a dependent child.
- Apply online starting in late May through the provincial website or call 1-888-355-2700 for assistance.
- Check with your financial institution first, as approval is not guaranteed, and late penalties may apply if denied.
- More info: Provincial Property Tax Deferment page.
Appeals and Disputes
If you disagree with your property's assessed value, appeal to BC Assessment by the deadline on your assessment notice (typically January 31). For billing or payment disputes, contact City Hall directly.
- BC Assessment appeals: Visit BC Assessment's website for forms and guidance.
- Note: Appeals do not delay your tax payment due date.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What if I pay late? A 10% penalty applies after 4:00 p.m. on July 2, 2025, on the full outstanding amount, including unclaimed grants.
- Can I post-date my cheque? Yes, as long as it's dated on or before the due date.
- My mortgage pays my taxes—what do I do? Verify the payment amount with your lender and claim your Home Owner Grant yourself.
- Why is the Home Owner Grant penalized if unclaimed? Until claimed, it's considered part of your outstanding taxes.
- Are penalties optional? No, they are required by provincial law.
For more FAQs or personalized help, contact us.
We recommend signing up for email notifications for council updates and newsletters by emailing [email protected]. This helps keep you informed about tax deadlines and City news.