Coquitlam property owners have several safe and convenient options to pay their 2020 property taxes or utilities before the deadline arrives on Sept. 30.
COQUITLAM, B.C., Sept. 8, 2020 – Coquitlam property owners have several safe and convenient options to pay their 2020 property taxes or utilities before the deadline arrives on Sept. 30.
To support the community during the pandemic, the City gave taxpayers until the end of September to pay this year’s taxes and utilities. Those making their payments this month have a number of options to avoid waiting in line.
Tax and Utility Payment Options
Physically-distant ways to pay property taxes and utilities include:
- Paying online or by phone through a financial institution using the eight-digit folio number from the tax bill or five-digit account number from the utility bill;
- Using the secure drop boxes at both the City Hall entrance and underground parking lot (3000 Guildford Way) and the Poirier Sport & Leisure Complex main entrance (633 Poirier St.) for dropping off cheques (no cash) and Home Owner Grant applications 24 hours a day; and
- Mailing a cheque (post-dated up to Sept. 30 permitted, no cash) to Revenue Services, 3000 Guildford Way, Coquitlam, B.C. V3B 7N2.
Payments may also be made in person at City Hall, but long queues can be expected due to health protocols and reduced capacity. Some financial institutions may also allow in-person payments of City taxes and utilities.
Residents also have until the end of September to apply for the 2020 Home Owner Grant, which can be claimed online at www.coquitlam.ca/ehog.
More information is available at www.coquitlam.ca/propertytaxes. Utility bill information can be found at www.coquitlam.ca/utilitybill.
Other Support for Property Owners
In addition to extending the property tax deadline to Sept. 30 for those who need it, the City will only charge a five per cent penalty on any unpaid balances after that date, rather than the usual 10 per cent.
Eligible homeowners who are struggling financially are encouraged to apply for the Provincial Property Tax Deferment Program, which provides low-interest financial support for property taxes on principal residences.
Homeowners who financially support children, are age 55 or older, are a surviving spouse of any age, or who live with disabilities may qualify for the program.
The provincial government introduced a new online application and renewal process this year to simplify the process. For information about the program criteria or to apply, visit www.gov.bc.ca/propertytaxdeferment.
For additional information on Coquitlam property taxes, visit www.coquitlam.ca/propertytaxes, call 604-927-3050 or email Revenue Services.