Temp Property Tax Basics

Find out how your property taxes are calculated, what portion of your tax bill is municipal and how your taxes are allocated.

How are municipal property tax rates calculated?

In British Columbia, municipal property tax rates are calculated based on the budgeted property tax revenues established by Council through the annual budget process and assessment information provided by BC Assessment.

These factors establish a “mill rate,” which means the amount of municipal taxes to be paid per $1,000 of assessed value for each class of property.

What is the municipal portion of the property tax bill?

The municipal portion of your property tax bill includes municipal property taxes and utility charges that are controlled and set by the municipality.

Taxes levied by other government agencies are also included on your tax notice and are not controlled by the municipality. These agencies include the Municipal Finance Authority, BC Assessment, Squamish-Lillooet Regional District, Hospitals, and the Provincial Government (school tax).

Learn more about tax basics. Download the Tax Guide – an informational brochure mailed to taxpayers each year with their tax notice.

You can also download the annual property tax and utility rate summary.

Property tax frequently asked questions

Do taxes cover from July to July?

No. Taxes cover the calendar year of January 1 to December 31 of the current year, but are due the first business day in July.

Can I appeal my taxes?

No. You can only appeal the assessment of your property. The BC Assessment office mails your assessment notice December 31 and you have 30 days in which to appeal your assessment at their office.

I did not receive a tax notice, do I still owe taxes?

Yes. If you own property, you are responsible for the taxes, whether or not you receive a tax notice. You should notify the Tax Department if you own or have purchased property and have not received a tax notice by email at finance@whistler.ca. Alternatively you can use the online service “MyWhistler” to view your property tax notice. Please notify BC Assessment if you have changed your mailing address.

I have just purchased this property, am I responsible for the taxes?

When properties change hands, arrangements for payment of taxes should be worked out by the parties involved (usually involves a lawyer). It should be recognized that taxes are levied against the property, not the owner, and therefore remain with the property in spite of any change of ownership.

Send the Municipality an email at finance@whistler.ca with notification of purchase or sale of a Whistler property to update new information quickly.

Can I prepay my property taxes?

Yes. You can make a payment to your Property Taxes at any time of the year.

I am on the pre-payment plan. Do I still need to claim my Home Owner Grant?

Yes. The Home Owner Grant must be claimed each year that you are eligible.

My mortgage company is paying my taxes. Do I still need to claim my Home Owner Grant?

Even though your mortgage company is paying your taxes, you still must claim your Home Owner Grant.

If you do not live in Whistler, confirm with your mortgage company that they will by paying the Column A amount. If you live in Whistler let your mortgage company know whether you qualify for the basic or additional grant.

Can I mail in my tax notice with payment?

Yes. In mailing our tax notice you must ensure that your cheque is made out correctly.

Cheques, including post-dated cheques, can be mailed to the Resort Municipality of Whistler, 4325 Blackcomb Way, Whistler BC, V8E 0X5.

Please remember when mailing your tax notice that the post mark is NOT accepted as proof of payment date. It is the date that we receive the funds.

Payments must be received at this Municipal Hall no later than 4:30 p.m. of the property tax due date, which is always the first business day of July.

Can I submit a post-dated cheque?

Yes. The last day you may post your date is the property tax due date, which is always the first business day of July.

Contact

Finance Department
finance@whistler.ca
604-935-8130