As homeowners in Kamloops begin getting their 2021 property tax notices this May long weekend, city staff are reminding people about a significant change this year.

Revenue and Taxation Manager, Cara Dawson, says you’ll notice there won’t be a section on your notice for you to apply for the Home Owner Grant.

While the eligibility criteria and the deadline to apply (July 2) remains the same, the provincial government took over full management of the HOG application process in January, meaning municipalities can no longer accept applications.

Dawson says property taxes are also due on July 2, with a full 10 per cent penalty applicable for late payments as of July 3.

“Despite the financial challenges of the pandemic and the option of a grace period last year, most Kamloops residents paid their 2020 property taxes by the July 2 due date, which helped keep the City running smoothly,” she said . “The City relies on property taxes as one of the main sources of revenue for the year, and the timing of receiving property taxes payments directly impacts the City’s cash flow.”

Another new change is the ability to pay your property taxes with credit card either online or in person. All payments made with a credit card will be subject to a 1.75 per cent service fee to cover the fees charged by credit card companies.

As of Tuesday, City Hall will be open from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., with a maximum capacity of 11 people in the reception area. Masks will also be mandatory if you choose to pay property taxes in person.

The city’s property tax increase this year is the lowest in about 20 years at 0.93 per cent. That translates to an additional $20.72 for the average household assessed at $469,000.

For more details on property taxes and the Home Owner Grant program, go here.