Property Tax FAQ's

Billing

Payments

Moving

Billing

How are property taxes calculated?

Formula: Your property taxes are based on this formula:

  • Net Assessed Property Value multiplied by Property Tax Rate = Property Tax Bill

The City collects property taxes to fund services such as recreation, parks, road infrastructure, fighting crime and fires. Additionally, revenue is collected each year through your property taxes for the following agencies:

Each public agency with taxing authority sets a budget for the amount of tax revenue it requires. Tax rates vary among property classifications and are calculated by dividing the budget needs of the agency by its assessment base. The appropriate tax rate is then applied to individual property assessments, and the tax levy is calculated.

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Where can I find my tax account balance?

You can access your billing history through your MyChilliwack.com account.

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How does my property's assessed value affect my tax bill?

  • The value of property for tax purposes is determined by BC Assessment, which is established under provincial legislation and is independent of the municipality.
  • Property assessment is the determination of a property's market value as of July 1 of the prior year. Annually, on December 31, BC Assessment mails to each property owner, a property assessment notice, which shows the property's market value and other important infomation about the property. Questions regarding property assessment should be directed to BC Assessment.
  • Provincial and local governments use property assessments to determine what tax rate they must set to raise the revenue needed to pay for public services. Tax authorities set tax rates that are applied to the assessed value of properties, which is subsequently shown on your tax notice.
  • You cannot appeal your taxes, but you can appeal your assessment. Review BC Assessment's appeal process for deadlines and details.
  • For more information on your assessment, contact the BC Assessment office at 1-866-825-8322.

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Payments

Are there late payment penalties?

  • Penalty dates are clearly printed on the property tax notice. Taxes that remain outstanding after these dates (including any unclaimed Provincial Home Owner Grant amount) are subject to penalty
  • A 5% late payment penalty is applied for taxes outstanding after July 2, 2024.
  • An additional 5% late payment penalty is applied for taxes outstanding after August 1, 2024.

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Tax Deferment Program

  • Once you receive your property tax notice, you may be able to apply for a low interest loan to pay your current year propery taxes. Visit the Province of British Columbia's website for information regarding the Tax Deferment Program.

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Moving

How do I change my mailing address with the City of Chilliwack?

Please submit our Address Change Form  to:

City of Chilliwack
Attn: Property Records
8550 Young Road
Chilliwack BC  V2P 8A4

Email: [email protected]
Fax: 604-793-2285

If you have any questions, please contact 604-793-2902 or [email protected]

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What do I do about my Property Tax Notice when I sell my property?

  • Do not call to change your address - BC Land Title and Survey Authority provides changes to municipalities.
  • Change the tax account number on your financial institutions's website if you pay online.
  • Change or Cancel your Tax Pre-payment Plan by the 5th of the month.
  • Pay the entire tax notice if you are the current owner on the tax due date.
  • Contact us to receive a tax notice if you have not received one by June.
  • Return a tax notice to the City that is no longer your responsibility.
  • Your Lawyer or Notary handling the property sale can do the following:
    • Allocate annual tax bill and advise which party claims the Home Owner Grant
    • Adjust for any credit balance on the seller's tax account on the Statement of Adjustments
    • Allocate the utility account balance between buyer and seller
    • Submit the Tax Pre-Payment Plan and Utility Equal Payment or Auto Debit plan cancelation request

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How do I change owner information on property title?

Name Changes are done through the BC Land Title and Survey Authority office.

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As a new home owner what do I need to know about paying taxes?

  • Property taxation is the most important single source of municipal revenue. Property Tax notices are mailed annually at the end of May and are due the first working day after July 1 of every calendar year.
  • Property owners who have not received their tax notice by the second week of June should contact the  Tax Department at 604-792-9498.
  • New property owners are responsible for payment of their annual property taxes by the due date to avoid penalty, whether or not they receive a property tax notice.

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