Deadlines and penalties
Important dates for 2019
| Date | What’s due? | Penalty for missed date |
|---|---|---|
| July 2 | Property tax paymentHome owner grant applicationProperty tax deferment application | Additional 5% |
| August 1 | Tax and Utility Prepayment Plan (PAWS) deductions start | |
| September 3 | Last day to pay for 2019 property tax and annual utility payments | Additional 5% |
| September 30 | Tax sale date | |
| December 31 | Any balance for 2019 still outstanding after today will be moved into arrears | Daily interest on balance |
What happens if you do not pay your property taxes on time
Unpaid tax balances will be placed in arrears at the end of the calendar year. If the balance continues to be unpaid at the end of the following calendar year, your account will be considered delinquent.
Late payments are subject to 5% penalties, and accounts in arrears or delinquent are subject to daily interest charges. There is also a risk that your property will be sold at auction to recover taxes owing.
Example late fees, interest, and other penalties
Here is an example of how an unpaid balance would be handled, based on a 2019 tax bill:
| If… | Then… |
|---|---|
| Your 2019 tax bill is not paid by the first working day in July, 2019 | We charge a 5% late penalty |
| Your 2019 tax bill plus 5% late penalty is not paid by the first working day in September, 2019 | We charge a second 5% late penalty |
| Your 2019 tax bill plus late penalties is not paid by December 31, 2019 | We move your balance to arrears on January 1, 2020 and begin charging daily interest |
| Your 2019 tax bill, late penalties, and interest accrued during 2020 is not paid by December 31, 2020 | We consider your balance delinquent on January 1, 2021 and continue charging daily interest |
| Your 2019 tax bill, late penalties, plus interest accrued during 2020 and 2021 is not paid by the last Monday in September, 2021 | Your property would be sold at a tax sale in late September of 2021 to recover the outstanding tax balance and any interest |
How to avoid paying penalties, interest, or fees
To avoid interest charges and fees on late payments, be sure that, by the due date, you:
- Pay your taxes
- Claim your home owner grant (if eligible)
- Submit your completed new or renewal tax deferment applications along with your utilities payment to the District office
Fees for returned cheques
Cheques rejected by your financial institution for any reason are considered non-payment of taxes and are subject to applicable penalties and interest charges. In addition, the District will charge an administrative fee for each rejected payment.
