Property tax notices are being mailed out to Coquitlam homes and businesses this week, but much is different about tax time 2020.
COQUITLAM, B.C., June 1, 2020 – Property tax notices are being mailed out to Coquitlam homes and businesses this week, but much is different about tax time 2020.
While property owners are encouraged to pay their taxes by July 2, the City has extended the deadline to Sept. 30 to support those who are struggling financially due to the COVID-19 pandemic. A variety of other financial supports are also available, including reduced late fees and the Provincial Property Tax Deferment Program.
Support Available for Those Who Need It
To support the community during the pandemic, the City has given residents and businesses until Sept. 30 to pay this year’s utility and tax bills, and will only charge a five per cent penalty on any unpaid balances after that date – half the usual amount.
Coquitlam residents are also encouraged to apply for both the 2020 Home Owner Grant, which reduces taxes for primary residences, and the Provincial Property Tax Deferment Program, which allows eligible homeowners to defer their taxes.
Residents may qualify for the Provincial Property Tax Deferment Program if they are age 55 or older this year, a surviving spouse of any age, a person with disabilities, or a parent, stepparent or financially supporting a child. Visit www.gov.bc.ca/propertytaxdeferment for information.
Coquitlam property owners can also plan ahead for 2021 by setting up monthly installments through the City’s prepayment program through www.coquitlam.ca/propertytaxes.
A listing of additional federal, provincial and other financial support options is available at www.coquitlam.ca/covid19.
Tax Revenue Funds Important Services
Those who are able to pay before Sept. 30 are encouraged to do so to support the delivery of important City services. Property taxes fund about two-thirds of Coquitlam’s budget. Utility and tax revenue pays for essential services such as waste collection, road maintenance, sewer and water, police protection, fire/rescue response and many other services and programs that improve quality of life for Coquitlam residents.
Safe Payment Options
Although payment in person is not yet possible while City facilities remain closed, all other typical tax payment options are still available:
- Online or by phone through a financial institution using the 8-digit folio number from the tax bill, and claiming the Home Owner Grant at www.coquitlam.ca/ehog ;
- 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 to up to Sept. 30 permitted, no cash) to Revenue Services, 3000 Guildford Way, Coquitlam, B.C. V3B 7N2.
Some financial institutions may also allow in-person payments of City taxes and utilities.
Credit card payments are not accepted for tax payments.
Payment options may change in the coming months. Updated information will be posted at www.coquitlam.ca/propertytaxes, as well as shared through the CoquitlamConnect mobile app, newspaper ads and social media updates.
City’s COVID-19 Plan Supporting Community Recovery
Coquitlam has allocated $5 million in initial funding to the COVID-19 Community Support and Recovery Plan (CSRP), intended to provide immediate and long-term support for businesses, residents and the non-profit sector. CSRP efforts have included deferring tax and utility deadlines to Sept. 30, deferring some fees for construction projects, creating a Business Support Portal at www.letstalkcoquitlam.ca/business and providing paid opportunities for businesses and organizations to participate in civic events. More initiatives will roll out in the coming weeks and months. Visit www.coquitlam.ca/csrp for details.
Supporting Our Community During the Pandemic
The City of Coquitlam is here to help with these resources:
- Visit www.coquitlam.ca/csrp to learn about the City’s Community Support and Recovery Plan, which is providing immediate and long-term support for the non-profit sector, businesses and residents;
- Visit www.coquitlam.ca/spirit for a free library of activities for all ages, including fitness, arts and culture, outdoor activities and ways to connect with your community; and
- Visit www.coquitlam.ca/covid19 for updates on City services and initiatives and COVID-19 health resources.
Coquitlam residents and businesses are also encouraged to follow the City of Coquitlam on social media (Facebook, Instagram and Twitter) and download the CoquitlamConnect mobile app for up-to-date City information.
For questions regarding your 2020 Property Tax Notice, please contact Email Property Tax Services or 604-927-3050.