Index
2020 Tax Information
Council has made significant adjustments to the City budget and 2020 tax levy in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Council reduced the tax levy increase nearly by half from a 3.44% increase approved prior to the pandemic to 1.75%. This levy will ensure the City can maintain services in key areas, and even enhance some important services, particularly the improvement of security, health, and safety in the community.
Council has approved various measures related to the 2020 budget, property taxes, and utility billing:
- Deferring nearly $25 million in capital projects.
- Eliminating the 10% penalty on late sewer, water, and solid waste utility payments for the period of July 1 to December 31, 2020.
- Cost of living increases have been frozen for the Mayor, Members of Council, and City management.
Service enhancements aimed at improving safety, cleanliness, and security downtown are proceeding in 2020. These include providing for additional police, security, and bylaw services personnel for the area; funding for homeless service hubs; and increased resources for removing illegal camps and dumpsites.
For more information:
Property Taxes, Services, and COVID-19 Impacts
Property taxes paid to the City of Prince George fund the majority of the City’s operations and services. The remaining revenues typically come from various sources such as user fees, the rental of civic facilities, off-street parking, and permits related to new developments and construction. Provincial health orders issued in relation to the Covid-19 pandemic have greatly affected civic operations since March and are responsible for reducing revenues to the City of nearly $1.3 million per month.
In addition to funding City operations and services, a portion of property tax payments flow through the City to support the Regional District and other government services including the hospital and schools.
Tax Due Date
Property taxes are always due on the first Friday in July. If July 1 falls on a Friday, taxes will be due the following Friday.
NOTE: New property owners who have not received a current property tax notice will be required to contact City Hall to receive a copy.
Non-receipt of a tax notice is not recognised as a valid reason for failing to pay taxes by the due date.
Online Tax Notices
View current and past tax notices and more through the City of Prince George's MyCity system. Register for an account, log in, and set up MyCity to track histories and e-Billing for:
- Tax accounts
- Utilities accounts
- Business and dog licensing
How Tax Dollars Are Spent
Services such as water, sanitary sewer, and residential garbage collection are billed separately from property taxes. User fees (collected through City utility bills) support the operating costs of these services as well as the replacement of aging infrastructure.
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Paying Your Property Taxes
1. Financial Institutions - Online banking, Telephone Banking, In Person
Banks and credit unions that offer payment services provide the opportunity to pay tax bills online, through telephone banking, or in-person. Set up the City of Prince George as the payee and enter your tax folio number.
Please allow up to three business days processing to ensure payment is made on time. Be sure to include the property tax folio number when paying online.
2. By Mail
Cheques may be mailed to City Hall at:
City of Prince George
1100 Patricia Boulevard
Prince George, BC V2L 3V9
Canada
Tax payments sent by mail must be received at City Hall by the due date. Mail postmarked by the due date is not accepted as on time.
3. In Person at City Hall By Cheque, Cash, or Debit Card
Payments may be made in person by cheque, cash, or debit card at the City Hall Service Centre during regular working hours:
City Hall Service Centre
1100 Patricia Boulevard
Prince George, BC V2L 3V9
Phone: 311 (or 250-561-7600 outside city limits)
Email: 311@princegeorge.ca
Hours:
- Monday to Friday - 8:30am to 5:00pm
- Closed on statutory holidays
After-Hours Payments
Cheques may be left in drop boxes located at either City Hall entrance for after-hours payments.
Do not leave cash in drop boxes.
4. By Credit Card Using PayTM Canada
Property taxes may be paid by credit card using the PayTM Canada mobile app. Credit cards are not accepted at the City Hall Service Centre. Please allow up to five days for payments to be processed.
Note: Fees may apply.
How to Pay with PayTM Canada
- Download the PayTM Canada mobile app from the Google Play Store or the Apple App Store.
- Search for "Prince George(City)" under Utilities or Taxes and set as the payee.
- Enter the property tax account number, name, and the amount due.
- Review the details and proceed to checkout.
5. Pre-Authorized Monthly Plan
Property taxes may be paid through a pre-payment plan. Residents may complete an application form and submit it in person at the City Hall Service Centre:
City Hall Service Centre
1100 Patricia Boulevard
Prince George, BC V2L 3V9
Canada
A void cheque, direct deposit form, or counter cheque must be provided with the application form.
Change Banking Information or Cancel a Pre-Payment Plan
To change banking information or to cancel a pre-payment plan, fill out the pre-payment plan change form (either as a downloadable PDF or through a web form), print the document, and submit it in person at the City Hall Service Centre.
Change in Mailing Address
For mailing address changes to property taxes or utilities accounts, complete the mailing address change online form (either as a downloadable PDF or through a web form) or mailing address change editable PDF and submit it in person at the City Hall Service Centre.
Penalties and Interest Charges
A five per cent penalty will be added to any current outstanding taxes remaining unpaid after the due date. The class is indicated on the Tax Notice.
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Class 1, 2, 3, and 9 - Five (5) per cent penalty after July 3. An additional five (5) per cent on outstanding amounts after October 1.
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Class 4, 5, 6 7, and 8 - Ten (10) per cent penalty after October 1.
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Claim Your Home Owner Grant
The Provincial Home Owner Grant program helps reduce the amount of residential property taxes homeowners pay on their primary residences. Awarded grants may be higher for qualifying seniors, veterans, or persons with a disability. Homeowners may apply for the grant on their own or give permission to have somebody apply for them. However, if property taxes are paid through a financial institution, that institution will not apply for a grant on the home owner's behalf.
A grant application may be submitted after receiving a property tax notice. Homeowners who qualified for the grant the previous year but did not apply may be eligible to claim the grant retroactively for up to one year. The grant must be applied for every year to receive it.
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General Tax Information
Prior Tax Rates
Tax rate tables from previous years are available for download.
Tax Exemptions
Permissive tax exemption is available for qualifying, registered non-profit organizations using property for municipal, recreational, religious, cultural or charitable purposes.
The deadline for submissions is June 1, 2020.
Tax Deferment
Tax deferment is a low-interest loan program administrated by the Government of B.C. that helps qualified B.C. homeowners pay their annual property taxes on their principal residence.
Tax Sale
The City is required by the Local Government Act on the last Monday of September to sell at tax sale all properties where taxes have not been paid in three years. The Local Government Act gives the Collector authority to sell a property for the "Upset Price" which equals all outstanding taxes + penalties + interest + five (5) per cent tax sale costs + Land Title Office fees.
All property sales are "as is" without warrant or guarantee by the City of Prince George. For complete information, prospective purchasers should consult the Local Government Act, in particular (but not limited to) Sections 403 to 428.
Please note Prince George City Council has deferred the 2020 tax sale.
For more information:
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