Property Tax Information

Property taxes are levied each year around mid-May and billed for the calendar year. City property taxes help fund the provision of local government services, such as:

• Police and fire protection;
• Management of roads, drainage and parks infrastructure; and
• Leisure and cultural services

The tax rates are based on the funds needed to provide services for the year and are set to determine how to share the cost of providing the services.

More information on the City budget is available here.

The City also collects funds on behalf of other local public bodies and organizations to support their programs and services, such as:

• Regional District of Nanaimo
• Vancouver Island Regional Hospital
• Schools
• Hospital
• BC Assessment Authority
• Municipal Finance Authority

For questions related to these requisitions please contact the organization directly. 

Property taxes are levied annually in May for the calendar year (January to December), therefore a portion of the taxes are paid in arrears and a portion in advance.

Property tax payments are due on the first business day of July. For ways to pay your property taxes, please visit the Payments page.

Frequently Asked Questions

The Relationship Between Property Assessment and Property Tax

A significant increase in the assessment (property value) does not necessarily mean a significant increase in property tax. The important factor is how the assessed value changed relative to the average change in the property class.

For example:

The average assessed value for a single-family residence in 2025 decreased by 0.04% due to market change. The City budget increase for 2025 was 7.8%.

• If the property decreased in value less than the market change of -0.04%, you will likely see an increase in your municipal taxes of greater than 7.8%.
• If your property decreased in value equal to the market change of -0.04%, your municipal taxes will likely increase at the average of 7.8%.

BC Assessment provides a great infographic on the relationship between the assessment and the property taxes.

*Please note that the tax increase of 7.8% relates to the City's tax rate only and does not take in consideration the rate change for other organizations the City collects on behalf of.

Property Tax Notice

Property tax notices are mailed at the end of May. If you do not receive your property tax notice by the second week of June:

• Visit MyCity to access a PDF copy online
• Visit the Service and Resource Centre at 411 Dunsmuir Street

The MyCity account allows you to access your City account information online and provides you with easy access to current and past notices, transaction history, property assessment and more. Register for MyCity.

Consequence of Unpaid Taxes

Current year outstanding taxes after the due date are subject to penalty(s). Any remaining balance outstanding at January 1 will accrue daily interest.

Unpaid user rates at December 31 are transferred to property taxes on January 1 and are treated like outstanding taxes.

If taxes are unpaid for three (3) consecutive years, the property will be sold at the City's Annual Tax Sale held on the last Monday of September.

Home Owner Grants

The Home Owner Grant (HOG) reduces the amount of property tax you pay for your principal residence. This program is administered by the Province of BC.

To apply and to learn more, visit the Province's website.

Deferment

Tax deferment is a low interest loan program that helps qualified homeowners pay their annual property taxes on their principal residence. For more information and to apply, visit the Province's website.

Property Tax Rates

The table below includes the total property tax rate and not only the municipal portion.

For a detailed breakdown of the tax rates, see the  2025 Property Tax Rate Sheet.