City of Chilliwack took the next step helping property owners impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.
“This year, property tax payments for all property classes made by September 30, 2020 will not be subject to late payment penalties,” according to a city release May 6.
In order to ensure “equal relief” opportunity is afforded to all property taxpayers in Chilliwack, city council approved a measure that will extend the late payment penalty postponement date to all property classes. This ensures similar support is accessible to residential homeowners that may have been negatively affected by COVID-19.
READ MORE: Businesses, local governments get further tax relief
“We are continuing to look for creative ways to help Chilliwack residents who need it,” said Mayor Ken Popove. “These are challenging times for many, and supporting our residents within our scope as a municipality is a priority for Council.”
And while the province has not announced an extension to the July 2, property tax due date, interim legislation changes have authorized municipalities to postpone the late payment penalty date for commercial property classes. Under this change, commercial property tax payments made by September 30, 2020 will not be subject to late payment penalties.
Council approved this latest financial relief measure at the May 5 regular meeting of council. Other relief measures include waiving late fees for unpaid utility bills and implementing a utility bill relief program that provides three months of credit on water and sewer fees to eligible residents.
Home owner grants can also be claimed online at mychilliwack.com. For additional information, contact the Property Tax Department at taxes@chilliwack.com or 604.792.9498.
While the extended penalty date provides a relief option for those negatively affected by COVID-19, the property tax due date remains July 2, 2020 and taxpayers that are able to pay by the due date are encouraged to do so.
READ MORE: BC Liberals call for even more tax relief
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