Loading, about as long as a coffee at the Lion’s Head.
Loading, about as long as a coffee at the Lion’s Head.
Due July 2, 2026. Most people are done with the whole thing in under ten minutes once they have their notice.
Mark this date
Two things to do before then: claim the Home Owner Grant (free money from the Province) and pay what you owe. Both are quick.
Three quick steps
Find your Tax Notice
Mailed late spring. Lost it? Finance can resend.
Apply for the Home Owner Grant
Provincial program, gov.bc.ca/homeownergrant
Pay the rest
OptionPay, your bank, mail, or in person
Don’t leave money on the table
The HOG can take hundreds off your bill if you live in the home as your principal residence. It’s a Provincial program, not the City’s, and it’s not automatic. You have to apply each year.
Apply at gov.bc.ca/homeownergrant →Skip the annual scramble
Spread next year’s taxes across 10 monthly instalments, withdrawn automatically. No more July 2 stress. Governed by Bylaw 1378.
Call Finance to enrol: 250-365-8958Property taxes for 2026 are due July 2, 2026. If your account has any outstanding balance on July 3, a 10% penalty is automatically applied. The penalty is set under City bylaw and cannot be waived for late payment, even if your bank processed your payment after the due date. Plan to pay a few days early to avoid surprises.
Heads up
One day late = 10% penalty
You have four options, all of them work:
The Home Owner Grant reduces what you owe on your principal residence. The City does not process this application; the Province does.
Tip
Apply for the grant even if you can't pay
Spreading next year’s taxes over the year is easier on the budget than one big July payment. The City’s Pre-Authorized Payment Plan withdraws 10 monthly instalments toward your next year’s tax bill. Sign up by calling Finance at 250-365-8958 or emailing finance@castlegar.ca. The plan is established under Bylaw 1378.
The Province of BC offers a low-interest loan that lets eligible homeowners defer their property taxes. It is run by the Province, not the City. Common programs include the Regular Program (55+, surviving spouse, or persons with disabilities) and the Families with Children Program. Visit the BC Government’s tax deferment page to see if you qualify.
Your property assessment is set by BC Assessment, not the City. The City uses your assessment to calculate taxes, but the City doesn’t set the value. To appeal, file with the Property Assessment Review Panel through BC Assessment by January 31 each year (1-866-825-8322 / bcassessment.ca).
Properties with three or more years of unpaid taxes become eligible for tax sale. It’s a serious legal process and almost never happens, the City would much rather work with you to set up a payment arrangement long before that point. If you’re behind, even a little, call Finance at 250-365-8958 before it stretches that far. There’s no shame in calling.
The annual property tax rates are set by Council each spring and published in the official Tax Rates Bylaw. The current year’s rates are available as a public document.
Open the 2025 Tax Rates Bylaw (PDF), which lists the rate per $1,000 of assessed value for each property class.
Past the deadline?
Pay what you owe now to stop the clock from ticking further. If you can’t pay the full amount, call Finance and ask about a partial-payment plan. Nobody will shame you. The 10% penalty is automated, not personal.
Pay online now
Pay with your 8-digit Roll Number from your tax notice.
BC Home Owner Grant
Claim your grant directly through the Province of BC.
BC Tax Deferment
Low-interest provincial loan if you qualify.
BC Assessment
If you want to appeal your assessment, this is where.
2025 Tax Rates Bylaw 1440
View the official rates Council set for this year.
Tax Certificates
For lawyers and notaries needing tax info on a specific property.
Still need help?
Faster than calling for non-urgent issues. We respond within one business day.