Property Tax Relief FAQs

The Town of View Royal is supporting citizens and businesses in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Council has approved 2020 Property Tax relief measures to help support taxpayers who are facing financial hardship. Property tax notices will be issued by the end of May 2020 and your property tax due date will still be July 2, however the 10% penalty normally applied for late payment will be delayed until October 1, 2020. Any unpaid 2020 balance as of October 1 will be subject to the late payment penalty. 

Property taxes are the most important revenue source for the municipality to ensure we continue to provide essential services for View Royal residents, property owners and visitors during these challenging circumstances. Taxpayers are encouraged to make payments by July 2, 2020 if possible during this time. 

Property owners are also strongly encouraged to apply for the Home Owner Grant (if eligible) as soon as they receive their property tax notice to avoid a penalty on the grant amount if missed or submitted late. Homeowners can apply for this grant online or complete the form at the bottom of the tax notice and drop it in the box at Town Hall’s front entrance. More information on property taxes can be found on our Property Tax Information page.

Do I still need to pay my property tax?
• Yes, you are still required to pay your property taxes as billed. However, property owners who need financial support during the COVID-19 pandemic have the option of paying any time after they receive their tax bill until September 30, 2020 with no late payment penalties.

I pay my taxes with my mortgage. Can I delay my tax payment?
• Some property owners have their tax and mortgage payments combined by their financial institution. If your taxes are paid with your mortgage payment and you need relief from your payments, you will need to contact your financial institution directly to discuss options. However, your payment must be received by Town Hall before October 1, 2020 to avoid penalties.
• If you need to delay your tax payment, be sure to claim your Home Owner Grant before the October 1, 2020 penalty date.

What if I pay my taxes on the Property Tax Prepayment Plan?
• For property owners who pay their taxes through instalments on the Property Tax Prepayment Plan the Home Owner Grant and balances owing (if any) must be submitted by July 2, 2020.
• The Prepayment Plan program will continue as usual, allowing taxpayers to make equal payments in advance of next year’s taxes. If you are currently on the Prepayment Plan, you will receive a letter in July informing you of the new payment amount starting in August 2020.
• Property owners who remain on the Property Tax Prepayment Plan will be supporting essential services, as well as making it easier to budget by making monthly payments and avoiding one large lump tax payment.

Can I cancel my Property Tax Prepayment Plan?
• Yes – if you need to cancel your payment plan, you must provide written notice 10 days prior to the next withdrawal date.
• You must fill out a Property Tax Prepayment Cancellation Form also located at Canadian Payments Association website.

What if I’ve sent in post-dated cheques?
• Post-dated cheques are an acceptable way to spread out your property tax payments. If you’ve already submitted cheques, they will be processed on the date noted on the cheque. If you need to cancel your post-dated payments, call the Finance Department at 250-708-2270.

How can I make a payment?                                                                                                      Currently access to Town Hall is limited (by appointment only). We anticipate that Town Hall will be open for walk-in visits with physical distancing measures in place on June 1. Appointments are still encouraged to both save you time and limit the number of people accessing services at the same time. Taxpayers have a number of payment options that respect physical and social distancing:

  • Directly through your financial institution – online or telephone banking.
    • Search for payee VIEW ROYAL
    • Select payee referencing TAX or TAXES.
    • Account number is last 8 digits of roll number (without the decimal) shown on the property tax notice.
  • Payment drop box – located by the Town Hall entrance at 45 View Royal Avenue. Place your cheque and/or Home Owner Grant application (if eligible) in an envelope and drop it in the box. We will process your payment promptly each morning (Monday to Friday). Please indicate if you would like a receipt mailed to you.
  • By mail – detach the bottom portion of your property tax notice and complete the Home Owner Grant, if eligible. Please make cheques payable to Town of View Royal and mail to Town of View Royal, 45 View Royal Avenue, Victoria, BC, V9B 1A6. We accept post-dated cheques. Your cancelled cheque (once processed by your financial institution) is your receipt; please indicate if you would like a receipt mailed to you.
  • At Town Hall – appointment preferred by calling 250-479-6800 or book an appointment.
    • Cheque, cash, debit card, post-dated cheque (dated July 2, 2020 or sooner if you’re able to pay now or dated no later than September 30, 2020 if you need to delay payment).
    • Unfortunately, we are unable to accept credit cards, wire transfers or third-party cheques.

How do I contact the View Royal property tax office?
• We can be reached by emailing finance@viewroyal.ca or call 250-479-6800 from Monday to Friday, 8:30 am to 4:30 pm.

Is there any other financial help available?
• The Provincial Tax Deferment Program is available for residents to consider. Information about this robust, low-interest loan program that helps qualified BC homeowners pay their annual property taxes on their principal residence can be found on the BC Government website:                        www.gov.bc.ca/propertytaxdeferment

• If you are approved for the Provincial Tax Deferment Program, you must claim your Home Owner Grant and pay your garbage user fee before October 1, 2020 to avoid penalties.

Additional Information