Lower Mainland Tips for Property Taxes

Here are some helpful Tips on paying your property taxes in the lower mainland and registering for your Home Owners Grant courtesy of Jennie Shandley, Mortgage Specialist from The Dreyer Group Mortgages Inc.

The time is coming to pay our property taxes and I want to help make the process as simple as possible for you. Below I have put together various ways to pay your taxes and register for your Home Owners Grant (HOG). If you haven't already received your 2017 notice, you should get it within the next week.


Claiming Your Home Owner's Grant

If your property is your principle residence you have to claim your Home Owners Grant (which is $570 on average, some cities it is less). There are 2 ways for you to claim:

1. Signing the tax notice and mailing or dropping it off at the city.

2. You can also complete it online if your city has an electronic payment capability on their website. If you are doing this online you will need the folio number and access code which is on your notice. It takes no more than 5 minutes to complete. Don't forget to print off a copy for your records.

Paying Your Property Taxes

There are 4 ways this can be done: 

1. Some lenders allow you to pay your property taxes throughout the year with your mortgage payment. If that is the case, the lender will remit the payment directly on your behalf. Be aware your taxes can change from year-to-year so it is a good idea to call your current lender to ensure you have enough in your account. If you do not have the lender number we placed you with, simply give us a call and we can help.

2. If your lender does not collect your taxes, you can write a post-dated cheque for July 4th, and mail it to the city.

3. You can also make your payment at most chartered banks.

4. A great way to pay your taxes is to use your cities monthly pre-authorized debit program. If you do not, it is a convenient option to consider going forward. Instructions will be on your cities website or attached to your tax notice. 

As a helpful tool, I have also provided some links for more information and electronic payment details. Please feel free to pass this email along to friends, family members and colleagues.

Delta
Langley (Township) * please note that the Langley (Township) online Home Owners Grant will be available from May 26, 2017
Langley (City)
Vancouver
Surrey
Chilliwack
Abbotsford
Burnaby * please note that the Burnaby online Home Owners Grant will be available May 31, 2017
Coquitlam
Port Coquitlam
Maple Ridge
Mission
North Vancouver
New Westminster
Richmond
White Rock
Hope
West Vancouver
Port Moody
Pitt Meadows * please note that the Burnaby online Home Owners Grant will be available May 29, 2017

 

If you have any questions regarding this or anything else please let me know! 

Jennie Shandley
Mortgage Specialist – Dreyer Group Mortgages Inc.
Member of the VERICO Brokers Network
Cell: 604-836-3317  Fax: 604-608-9307
jennie@jlsmortgages.ca
www.mortgageweb.ca/jennieshandley