Frequently Asked Questions
How are my taxes calculated?
(This applies to the majority of residential properties in Nanaimo. Certain exemptions apply.)
For example, if your property is assessed by BC assessment at $350,000 (the City of Nanaimo does NOT assess property values):
- Your city council determined that the residential tax rate needed for 2011 is 8.3489 based on every $1000 of assessed value. This means ($350,000/1000 x 8.3489 = $2,922.12 in Municipal taxes. View 2011 Property Tax Rates.
The City also collects taxes for other agencies that offer services in the City. These organizations determine a tax rated needed for their operation in similar fashion to the City. The other agencies are:
- School District
- BC Assessment
- Municipal Finance Authority
- Regional District of Nanaimo
- Vancouver Island Library
- parcel tax for the Regional District of Nanaimo
What is the N&R Home Owner Grant?
This is the longstanding Home Owner Grant combined with the new Northern and Rural Area Home Owner Benefit of up to $200 that is available in Northern and Rural areas of British Columbia. The new benefit will be included with property tax notices in May, and eligible homeowners will not need to apply separately.
I haven't received a tax notice, what should I do?
Tax notices are mailed in the third week of May. If you have not received your notice, contact the Finance Department at 250-755-4415.
I can't pay my current year's taxes, what should I do?
You can claim your N&R Home Owner Grant without making a payment. A penalty will be applied to all current taxes outstanding as of the tax due date. An additional 5% penalty will be applied to all current taxes outstanding in mid August. No further penalties will be applied for the rest of the calendar year. On January 1st, all outstanding balances will be charged daily interest.
Also, the Property Tax Deferment Plan, administered by the Province of British Columbia, offers options to defer your property taxes. See Property Tax Deferment Program.
I pay my taxes through the tax instalment plan; do I need to do anything else?
You need to claim your N&R home owner grant if eligible and pay the amount shown on your Property Tax Notice. Any outstanding balance after the first business day in July will be subject to a 5% penalty.
I received a tax notice for my property but it's not in my name, what should I do?
If your name does not appear on the tax notice but you are the registered owner and you are eligible for the N&R Home Owner Grant, you may apply for the grant, but you will need to provide documentation, such as the registration of Title (property deed). Bring this information in to City Hall to claim the N&R Home Owner Grant.
If I am selling my home, who should apply for the N&R Home Owner Grant and pay the taxes?
If you have not yet sold the property and are eligible for the grant, then you should apply for it. If you have already sold the property, and the new owner(s) live at the property, then the new owner(s) should apply for it, assuming that they have not claimed a grant for any other property in this calendar year. The legal representative for buyers and sellers of property normally adjust the purchase/sale price to account for the property taxes. If you are unable to see how the taxes were adjusted on your Statement of Adjustments, then you should contact the lawyer or realtor who closed your sale for further advisement.
I received a tax notice for a property that I no longer own, what should I do?
If you have the information of the new owner you should forward the tax notice to them.
The property taxes were paid by the lawyer, what should I do?
Ask your lawyer if you are responsible for claiming the N&R Home Owner Grant.
My spouse/relative passed away, how do I get the name on the tax notice changed?
Any changes to the ownership of a property, including name changes, should be filed at the Victoria Land Title Office, Mailing Address: Suite 200 - 1321 Blanshard Street, Victoria BC V8W 9J3, Street Address: Suite 110-1321 Blanshard Street, Victoria. They can be contacted by telephone at 1-877-577-LTSA (5872) or 604-660-0380 . The required paperwork can also be started at the Service BC, 460 Selby Street, Nanaimo BC V9R 2R7
I didn't claim my N&R Home Owner Grant last year, can I still claim it?
The Provincial Government allows an extension of time in which to claim a grant for the prior year if you are the homeowner or eligible occupant and you meet all residency qualifications up to December 31 of that year. Retroactive grant application forms are available at the Property Tax Department. Documentary evidence for proof of residency is required. Retroactive applications are applicable for the preceding year only.
I don't turn 65 until after the taxes are due, can I still claim the additional grant, or do I have to wait until next year?
You are eligible to claim the additional grant in the calendar year that you turn 65 years of age. If your birth date is after the July deadline, you are still eligible to claim the additional grant as long as you turn 65 during the calendar year.
My spouse is away until after the tax due date, can I sign the N&R home owner grant on his/her behalf?
If a registered owner is unavailable to sign the N&R Home Owners Grant, he or she may appoint a committee or another person providing that:
- the registered owner qualifies for the grant
- you are in possession of a notarized power of attorney
The property is in my name but my child is living in it, can he/she claim the N&Rome Owner Grant?
No, only the registered owner can claim an N&R home owner grant if they are eligible, Only one grant can be claimed per year, even if you own multiple properties. If the child's name appears on the title then they can claim the grant if they also meet the other eligibility criteria.
If the registered owner of a property passes away, can a N&R Home Owner Grant be claimed on their behalf?
If a spouse or relative of the deceased owner is living at the property, then he/she may claim the grant on behalf of the owner, if the following applies:
- Registered owner passed away during this calendar year
- Applicant is a permanent resident of BC, occupied this residence prior to the death and continues to occupy this residence (proof of residency will be requested)
- The residence remains registered in the name of the deceased owner (or estate of deceased owner)
Note: If the deceased was eligible for the additional grant during this calendar year, you may apply for both the basic and additional grants in the year of death only.
Why am I being penalized for not claiming my N&R Home Owner Grant?
You can reduce the amount of taxes owing by claiming grants you are eligible for; until you claim your grant the total remains outstanding. Grants have to be claimed EACH year.
If I can't pay my taxes will you sell my house by public auction?
Properties that have current, arrears, and delinquent taxes as of the last Monday in September will be offered for public auction with the starting bid being the outstanding taxes plus admin charges. All three years taxes must be outstanding before the property is offered at tax sale. All properties subject to the tax sale must be advertised in the newspaper before the public auction occurs. You do not have to pay all three years' worth of taxes to keep your property from being sold, but the delinquent taxes (the oldest) must be cleared up before the Property Tax Sale. Contact the Property Tax Department.
Can I access my property tax information online?
Yes, you are able to access your assessment and gross tax levy online through My City . You will need copy of your Tax Notice to sign up.
What are the penalties for not paying my taxes on time?
If property taxes are not paid by the due date, a 5% penalty charge will be added to the amount owing (including amounts owing for unclaimed N&R Home Owner Grant). A further 5% penalty will be added in mid August. It is a requirement of the Community Charter that these penalties be added.
Where can I get information and an application to defer my taxes?
You can obtain a deferment application from the Finance Department or you can visit the Deferment Website.
When should I submit my deferment application?
When you receive your tax notice in mid May you should claim your N&R Home Owner Grant and submit your completed deferment application to City Hall. Click here for more information on the provincial deferment program.
What types of homes qualify for tax deferment?
You may defer your taxes on your home where you live and conduct your daily activities. Second residences such as summer cottages and rental properties do not qualify for tax deferment benefits.
What happens if my deferment application is denied?
You must pay late payment penalty charges if you are found ineligible for the program after the property tax due date. Penalties will be applied to any outstanding balances on your account.
How long can I defer my property taxes?
You can defer your taxes as long as you own and live in your home and continue to qualify for the program. The deferred taxes must be fully repaid with interest
- before your home can be legally transferred to a new owner, other than directly to your surviving spouse, or
- upon the death of the agreement holder(s)
If you refinance your home, your mortgage holder may require full repayment of the deferred taxes upon refinancing. You may repay all or part of the deferred taxes, fees, and interest at any time without penalty.
I received a property assessment, but I think the value is too high. What do I do?
You can appeal your property tax assessment with BC Assessment prior to February 1. You must contact BC Assessment for information on the appeal process; the municipality is not responsible for values assigned to your property, and therefore has no authority to make changes to your annual assessment.
I think that my taxes are too high, can I appeal them?
Each year the tax rates are set by Council and other taxing authorities in May. The rate is applied against each $1000 of net taxable value of Land and Improvements. All residential properties are taxes at the same tax rate. If you would like to appeal your assessment, click here for more information.
How do I decide where my principle residence is?
It is up to the taxpayer to determine where their principle residence is located. Guidelines can be found here.
Summer cottages, rental properties, and second homes do not qualify for N&R home owner grants.
What is the tax year; July to July or the calendar year?
The tax year runs for the calendar year, January 1-December 31.
I have applied for my grant, when will I receive my rebate?
Rebates are not issued. If you have applied for a grant, your gross taxes have been reduced based on the amount of the grant claimed.
Change of Address
Click here to change your mailing address.
Name Change
Any changes to the ownership of a property, including name changes, should be filed at the Land Registry Office, 850 Burdett Avenue, Victoria BC V8W 1B4.
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