Please note: In consideration of public health, now more than ever we are asking residents and customers to consider their online options for payments.
The City of Prince Rupert collects property taxes each year on behalf of several taxation authorities. Property taxes are collected separately from utility fees, which are levied in March of each year.
How are Property Taxes Calculated?
Property taxes are calculated each year based on the BC Assessment value of each individual property. The City takes in information provided by BC Assessment about changes to overall property values, and adjusts the property tax rates according to the average increase or decrease in values according to property type. Generally speaking, if your property assessment decreased more than the average homeowner, your taxes are likely to decrease. If the BC assessment value of your home increased more than the average owner in Prince Rupert, your taxes may also increase. Taxes may also increase in relation to the average value of property depending on the inflationary increases experienced by the City with respect to mandated services and community driven services.
BC Assessment provides property assessments at the start of each calendar year. If you would like to dispute the valuation of your home or property, please contact BC Assessment directly. All disputes must be initiated prior to the end of January. Contact information and resources are provided below.
Toll-Free Number: 1-866-valueBC (825-8322)
Outside North America Number: 1-604-739-8588
Fax Number: 1-855-995-6209
BC Assessment’s website (including assessment search and comparison tool)
BC Assessment’s YouTube channel
Property Assessments and Property Taxes: A not-so complicated relationship
BC Assessment Interactive Market Trend Maps
Want to know more about how the City calculates property taxes? Check out the video below for a simple explanation of how the City determines the property tax rates each year.
Property Tax Deadlines
Property tax due date: July 4, 2022
Property owners are responsible for payment of property taxes regardless of whether or not a notice is received. Property Tax invoices will be mailed out by the end of May. If you do not receive one, please contact Finance at 250-627-0964.
Payment must be received before the deadline – postmark is not valid as a date of payment.
If you are a new owner, ensure taxes are paid on your property. Contact 250-627-0964 if there is any doubt.
Methods of Payment
Payment of taxes can be made through:
- Online banking: Search “Prince Rupert” and add the City property taxes payee. You will need your roll number from your tax notice (without the decimal). Contact your financial institution if you need exact instructions on adding a payee and/or making an online bill payment.
- Debit card
- Cash
- Cheque dated no later than July 4, 2022
*Payments at banks are not accepted
Property tax payments must be received no later than 4:30 p.m. on Friday, July 4, 2022 to avoid penalty. As payments can sometimes take 4-5 days to process, please ensure that payments are made with this deadline in mind.
Mailing address:
City of Prince Rupert
424 3rd Avenue West
Prince Rupert, BC V8J 1L7
Pre-Authorized Payments
Have monthly pre-authorized payments automatically debited from your account. Contact City Hall to apply: 250-627-0964.
Penalty & Interest
A 10% penalty will be added to current year taxes on all taxes owing after the deadline. Daily interest rates are set by the Province each quarter and applied directly to the outstanding arrears and delinquent property tax balances.
Note: Penalties and interest cannot be waived by any municipality in accordance with the Municipal Tax Regulation.
Access your Property Tax Information
You can access your property tax information by using BC Assessment's website or by contacting the City’s Finance Department.
BC Assessment's website: https://www.bcassessment.ca/
To talk to our Finance Department, please contact:
City of Prince Rupert
Roll Inquiries
424 3rd Ave West
Prince Rupert, BC V8J 1L7
Email: collector@princerupert.ca
Tel: 250-627-0964
Fax: 250-627-0979
Office Hours: 9:30am – 4:30pm (Monday – Friday)
Closed on weekends and all Statutory Holidays
Tax Deferment
A homeowner 55 years or over, a widow/widower, persons with disabilities as defined in the Disability Benefits Program Act, or families with children under 18 years of age may be able to defer their taxes on their principal residence through a Provincial government program. For more information on how to Defer Your Taxes please see the Province of BC website or contact City Hall at 250-627-0964.
Further Information Regarding Property Taxes
For more information, check on the Ministry of Finance's Property Tax Website: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/taxes/property-taxes