Back to SearchThe City is providing property owners who have experienced financial hardship due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic some additional flexibility in how they pay their taxes in the year ahead.
Specifically, City Council has approved a Special Pre-authorized Property Taxes COVID-19 Payment Plan for 2021 which would allow all tax payers whose taxes were paid in full by Feb. 28, 2020 — and who have since experienced severe financial hardship due to the pandemic — to pay their outstanding 2020 and 2021 property taxes penalty and interest free over a 12-month period.
Applications are now open for the program and must be received by Jan. 29, 2021. The application-based program allows for all property-tax payers, including both owners and tenants, to pay their outstanding 2020 tax account, including any penalty and interest charged, in addition to their 2021 taxes, through pre-authorized payments over 12 equal instalments. These instalments will be paid on the 15th of each month from Feb. 15, 2021 to Jan. 15, 2022. No penalty and interest would be charged for accounts on this pre-authorized plan.
“For those property owners who are facing financial challenges as a result of the pandemic this provides some flexibility and relief,” said City Treasurer Kristine Douglas, adding, “not only does it allow for these individuals to avoid penalties and interest, but it allows for payments to be spread across more manageable sums.”
Those applying for the program will be expected to provide proof of financial hardships experienced as a result of COVID-19. Additionally, landlords whose tenants make property tax payments will be expected to allow such tenants to undertake the application process and access the program.
For more information visit www.stcatharines.ca/COVID19TaxPayments
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