Property Taxes

Frequently Asked Questions

• Where can I find more Information about tax rates?

  The Property Tax flyer contains a message from the Mayor as well as other information about this years taxes and rates. 

  Property tax rates are based on the required funds from the Financial Plan as approved by Council each year. 

  • 2024 Financial Plan
  • 2023 Tax Rate Bylaw  

  To view current and historical property tax rates and bylaw's please visit Property Tax Rate & Poll Tax

• Can I pay taxes online?

  Yes. You may pay through online banking services through the BVCU, RBC, CIBC, and Scotiabank. Please visit Payment Options for further information on setting this up. 

• What are arrears and delinquent taxes?

  On December 31st of each year - taxes, interest and penalties unpaid for the current year are transferred to arrears taxes. The previous years' taxes plus interest and penalties are transferred to delinquent taxes. Taxes accrued and to accrue on land and its improvements, are a special charge on the land and improvements, and have priority over any claim, lien, privilege or encumbrance of any person except the Crown, and do not require registration to preserve it.

• What interest rate is charged on arrears and delinquent taxes?

  Arrears and delinquent taxes bear interest as prescribed by the Lieutenant Governor in Council (Province of British Columbia) pursuant to Section 11(3) of the Taxation (Rural Area) Act until paid or recovered.

• How will I be advised if my property is subject to Tax Sale?

  Property owners and registered charge holders will be advised by registered mail in August of each year that their property is subject to the tax sale proceedings. The registered letter will outline the outstanding taxes and interest to date and amount required to avoid tax sale. This amount must be paid in full prior to the last Monday of September in each year. Any payment made within fifteen (15) days of the tax sale date must be either cash, money order, bank draft or by debit card.

• What if my property taxes are paid by my mortgage company?

  Many property owners choose to have their property taxes paid by their mortgage company or financial institution (the Mortgagor). When property owners make their mortgage payments, the Mortgagor allocates a portion of each total mortgage payment to a property tax account held by the Mortgagor. 

  If your taxes are being remitted by a mortgage company or financial institution, you will still receive a property tax notice from the Town of Smithers. The Town of Smithers mails to each Mortgagor a listing of all known properties to which this Mortgagor remits property taxes on behalf of. It is between you and your Mortgagor to ensure the correct property taxes are paid to the Town of Smithers taking into consideration your eligibility of the Provincial Home Owner Grant. You are not required to take your property tax notice to your Mortgagor - they will already have been advised of the property taxes outstanding on your property.

  You are still responsible for claiming the Home Owner Grant each year. You are also responsible for notifying your Mortgagor of the grant you qualify for. 

  Note: The Mortgagor must advise the Town of Smithers that they require annual property tax information on your property. As a precaution, it is recommended that if you have a new mortgage that you take a copy of your property tax notice to your Mortgage holder to ensure that they are remitting property taxes on your behalf.