Property Taxes

The Financial Hardship Property Tax Deferment Program

Each year the District of Sechelt collects property taxes for properties within its boundaries. The District mails out taxes notices in May each year, however it is the property owners' responsibility to ensure that the taxes are paid. To ensure your current year property tax notice is sent to the correct address, the District needs written notice of any change to your mailing address by May 15th of that year. If you have not received your tax notice by May 31st, please contact the Finance Department at the District.

Paying your Property Taxes
Your property taxes are payable by July 2, 2010 either:

• By mail
• In person at the Sechelt Municipal Offices, 5797 Cowrie Street, Sechelt, BC
• By PC/Telephone Banking (your "roll" number is your account number)
• Via drop box located on the Cowrie Street Side of the Sechelt Library/Municipal Office Build, 5797 Cowrie Street
• Via Internet Banking  (your "roll" number is your account number)

Claiming the Home Owner Grant If you are eligible (see back of Tax Notice), claim your Grant by signing and submitting the form or by filling it out online. You should do this even if you are unable to make a payment at this time.

If your mortgage payments include your property taxes (if unsure, check with your bank) and you are eligible for the Home Owner Grant, please complete the form and submit it to our office for processing.

Frequently Asked Questions about your property taxes

• Are there any assistance programs to reduce the amount of tax I pay on my home?

The Home Owner Grant Program can provide you with a grant on your principal residence. The Property Tax Deferment Program can provide you with low interest loans, to help you pay your annual taxes. For more information on these programs, please contact the Municipal Office.

• How do I pay my taxes?

Your property taxes are payable by July 2, 2010 either:

• By mail
• In person at the Sechelt Municipal Offices, 5797 Cowrie Street, Sechelt, BC
• By PC/Telephone Banking (your "roll" number is your account number)
• Via drop box located on the Cowrie Street Side of the Sechelt Library/Municipal Office Build, 5797 Cowrie Street
• Via Internet Banking  (your "roll" number is your account number)

Payments may be made by cheque, money order, cash, internet banking, or debit card. Credit Cards are NOT accepted

Cheques and money orders should be made payable to District of Sechelt. Please include your “roll” number on your cheque or money order.

Cheques may be postdated and mailed early to ensure delivery on time. Please note that payments must reach the Municipality on or before the due date. Postmarks on mailed remittances will not be considered as date of payment.

• My mortgage company pays my taxes. What do I do?

It is your responsibility to complete your Home Owners Grant Application and return it to the Municipal Office in Sechelt.

If you are uncertain about whether your mortgage company pays your taxes, clarify the payment arrangements with your financial institution, as penalties will not be waived for errors made at a financial institution.

• How do I change my address?

You can change your address online. You can also call, write, fax or visit our office with the new information.

•   I didn’t receive my property tax notice. What should I do?

If you haven’t received your tax notice by mid-June, please contact our office. It is your responsibility to ensure we have your correct mailing address. If you are a new owner, the tax notice may have been sent to the previous owner. Please contact our office, and we will be happy to provide a copy of the tax notice to you.

• What is the “Water Frontage Tax”?

The Sunshine Coast Regional District is responsible for the water service on the Sunshine Coast. The water frontage tax is a charge levied by the Sunshine Coast Regional District. It is a charge to offset the maintenance of the water lines. This is a separate charge from the Water User Charge, which is the water bill that is paid to the Sunshine Coast Regional District for use of the water.

• My House Number (Civic Address) is incorrect

The house numbering for the entire coast is done by the Sunshine Coast Regional District. We can work with you and the SCRD to correct the information.

• Do I have to pay sewer charges if I am not hooked up to sewer?

Yes , if you are deemed to be in the benefiting area. The theory behind this is that your property is more valuable because you are in an area which can eventually be serviced by sewer.

• Do I pay the same amount as those who are hooked up?

No, those people who are hooked up also pay for the cost of their connection to the trunk line, as well as an annual user charge (currently $210.10 for a single family home.

• Why am I allowed only one trash can per week?

In March 1998, the Solid Waste Management Plan set a one-can limit for property owners which may penalize the people who generate more garbage, but still proposes a flat rate fee for residential properties. Extra garbage tags may be purchased at the Municipal Offices for $2.00 each.

• Do I have to pay if I don’t use the garbage service?

Yes, every single family residence is charged the same whether they take advantage of the service or not. More information is available in Bylaw 47 and amendments. Copies may be viewed at the District of Sechelt, or purchased for a small charge.

Pre-Authorized Tax Prepayment Plan

What is it?
It is a plan that will allow you to pay next year's taxes by automatic monthly deduction from your bank account.

Why Should I Participate?

• It's convenient - It will assist you in your budgeting. It will eliminate the impact of one large payment in July.
  
• It's a good investment - The plan will pay interest at a rate higher than you can earn on a typical savings account.
  
• It's safe and secure - There are no cheques to get lost or stolen. Your authorization is required to participate in the plan. You can withdraw from the plan at any time.

How Do I Apply?
It's easy to start - All you have to do is complete the authorization form (PDF format) and enclose one of your personal cheques marked "VOID".

How Does the Plan Work?
The monthly payments will be collected on the first day of each month, starting in August and ending in May.

The amount of monthly payment will be calculated by estimating next year's taxes (net of the Home Owner Grant if eligible) and dividing by eleven or by an amount mutually agreed upon. However, the total payment will not exceed the most recent taxes paid.

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 and less the interest that you 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.

You Can Join the Plan If:

• Your property taxes are paid in full.
• You are not paying your taxes through your mortgage (P.I.T.)

Things to Know

• Interest on your prepayment will be credited to your account bi-annually.
• The agreement is valid until terminated in writing by either party .
• You can join and withdraw at any time.
• If you change your bank account, please advise us and provide us with a new cheque marked "VOID" at least two weeks prior to the next payment date.
• There will be no refund under this plan except for payments made after a sale. If a payment is inadvertently made, a refund will only be given on prepayments made after the sale and only after providing the District of Sechelt with documentary proof. There will be a service charge for processing this refund.
• If any payment is not honoured by your financial institution, a service charge will apply.