The most convenient way to claim your grant is through our website. It takes a couple easy steps and you’re done - there is no paperwork to sign or bring in. To claim your grant, you will need your “Roll” number and password, both of which you can find on the bottom portion of your tax notice. Claim your online grant here.

Assessments

Property Tax Payment Options
Provincial Home Owner Grant
Property Tax Deferment Program
Property Tax Certificate
Frequently Asked Questions

Property Taxation is an important source of municipal revenue. Provincial legislation sets out detailed regulation of municipal taxation. The amount of municipal funds to be raised through property taxes and the Town’s tax rates are set by Council. The tax rates of the other agencies are determined by those taxing agencies.

The Town of Gibsons collects taxes for both the Town and a number of other governing bodies. Of the total property tax you pay, only a portion is applied directly to municipal services. The balance is collected on behalf of, and transferred to, other taxing authorities. Below is the breakdown for 2012:

Each year, property tax notices will be mailed in late May or early June. If you have not received your property tax notice, please contact the Finance Department at 604-886-2274 before the due date; it is the responsibility of the property owner to pay property taxes by the due date in order to avoid a penalty, whether or not a bill was received. New owners who have not received a property tax notice are advised to contact the Finance Department. For information on property tax payment options, click here.

Assessments
The value of property for tax purposes is determined by the BC Assessment Authority, which is established under Provincial legislation and is independent of the Town of Gibsons. If you have questions about your assessment, please contact the BC Assessment Authority directly. They can be reached at 1-800-661-1780 or visit their website.

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Property Tax Payment Options:

The due date for the 2012 Property Taxes is Tuesday, July 3rd, 2012.

To avoid a 10% penalty, payment of property taxes and completed Home Owner Grant must be received in the Municipal Office by 4:30 pm July 3rd, 2012.

Tax Payment Options:

1. ONLINE / TELEPHONE BANKING: The most convenient way to pay your taxes is through internet or telephone banking. This option is available with most financial institutions. You will need to add the Town of Gibsons as a payee. Your “Roll” number is your account number. You can find your Roll number on the bottom left hand side of your tax notice. Please ensure your online payment is made a few days before the deadline so that your payment is received by us by July 3rd. Also, don’t forget to claim your Homeowner Grant!

2. POSTDATED CHEQUES: An excellent way to avoid the last minute rush and line ups and ensure your payment is received on time!! You may mail or drop off your post dated cheque any time prior to the deadline.

3. BY MAIL: Please ensure cheques are mailed in plenty of time to reach the Town office by July 3, 2012. Note: postmarks are not acceptable as proof of payment.

4. IN PERSON: Cash and/or cheques may be brought into the Town Office. To assist us in serving you, please have your cheque and Homeowner Grant filled out prior to arrival.

Remember to claim your Home Owner Grant. Please see below.

Provincial Homeowner Grant:

You must apply for your provincial homeowner grant in every tax year. It is important that you claim your grant before July 3, 2012 in order to avoid any penalties.

Please Note: If your taxes are paid through your mortgage, you still need to claim your Homeowner Grant. PLEASE DO NOT SEND YOUR HOME OWNER GRANT APPLICATION TO THE BANK. Either claim your grant online or complete and forward the application to the Town Office. (see details of options below)

There are several ways to claim your grant:

1. ONLINE: Via the Town of Gibsons Website. The most convenient way to claim your grant is through our website. It takes a couple easy steps and you’re done - there is no paperwork to sign or bring in. To claim your grant, you will need your “Roll” number and password, both of which you can find on the bottom portion of your tax notice. Claim your online grant here.

2. WHEN YOU PAY YOUR TAXES: You can claim your grant at the same time you pay your taxes. Whether you pay in person or mail us a post-dated cheque for your taxes owing, please be sure to include your completed and signed Homeowner Grant application. This is back side of the “tear-off” bottom portion of your tax notice. Simply fill out and sign the reverse side of the tear-off portion and include this with your payment.

Not sure if you qualify for the grant? Additional information may be obtained from the provincial Homeowner Grant website or by phone toll free at 1-888-355-2700 or visit their website.

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Property Tax Deferment Program:

Home owners may be eligible to defer payment of property taxes under the Land Tax Deferment Program administered by the Province. There are now two programs available.

1. Regular Property Tax Deferment:

To qualify for this deferment, the home owner must:
• be the registered owner(s) of the home
• be 55 years of age or older OR a surviving spouse OR a person with disabilities as defined in the Regulations to the Land Tax Deferment Act
• be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident under the Immigration Act
(Canada)
• have lived in British Columbia for at least one year immediately prior to applying
• apply on the home in which you live
• have a minimum equity of 25% in your home based on assessed values as determined by BC Assessment
• have a current fire insurance policy on your home

2. Property Tax Deferment Program for Families with Children

Beginning in 2010, qualifying homeowners who are financially supporting a dependent child under age 18 will be able to apply to defer property taxes on their principal residence.

Additional information may be obtained from the Tax Deferment Branch website or by phone toll free at 1-800-663-7867.
Brochures are also available at the Town Hall.
Please note: if you do choose to defer your taxes, you are still required to pay your utilities as well as claim your Homeowner Grant.

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Property Tax Certificates:

Are you a lawyer or Notary Public looking for a Property Tax Certificate? Our tax certificates are now available online! Go to BC Online.

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Frequently Asked Questions:

1. When are my property taxes due?
2. How do I pay my property taxes?
3. How do I claim my Homeowner Grant?
4. Can I pay my taxes online?
5. Can I claim my Homeowner Grant online?
6. My mortgage company pays my taxes. What do I need to do?
7. Can I defer my property taxes?
8. I didn’t receive my property tax notice. What should I do? (Answer: If you haven’t received your tax notice by mid-June, please contact our office and we will provide you with a copy. If you are a new owner, our records may not yet reflect the change of ownership and the tax notice may have been sent to the previous owner. If you have changed your mailing address, it is important that you advise us so we mail your notice to the correct address.)
9. Can I pay my taxes monthly? (Answer: Yes, you can make periodic installments on your taxes throughout the year. The frequency of the payments is up to you. The most convenient way is to set up the payment online through your financial institution. You will need to add the Town of Gibsons as a payee. Your “Roll” number is your account number. You can find your Roll number on the bottom left hand side of your tax notice. There is no minimum or maximum amount for your payment. If you would like assistance estimating your monthly payment, or want to know your roll number, please contact our office. We also accept post dated cheques. You can drop them off at our office and we will deposit them on the date listed on the cheque.
10. I don’t agree with my assessment. What do I do? ? (Answer: The Town is not involved in determining assessed values. Please contact BC Assessment directly by phone at 1-800-661-1780 or visit their website.

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Contact Information:

Accounting Clerk
Sheri Spence
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Director of Finance
Ian Poole, CA
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Assistant Treasurer
Lorraine Coughlin
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Phone: 604.886.2274
Fax: 604.886.9735

Location and Mailing Address

474 South Fletcher Road
Box 340
Gibsons, BC V0N 1V0

Business Hours
8:00 am to 4:30 pm, Monday to Friday (excluding statutory holidays).