If you noticed your Burnaby property tax bill is much higher than the year before, the city is offering an explanation for some.
A City of Burnaby posting on its website discusses a “sharp increase” for some people, with the blame laid on the provincial government.
“Business property owners and tenants responsible for the payment of property taxes may notice a sharp increase in their 2021 property tax bill, compared to 2020,” reads the posting. “This is likely due to the removal of a one-time pandemic-related incentive from the BC Government. In 2020, the Province provided a significant cut to the School Tax rates for Light Industry (Class 5) and Business (Class 6). (This) meant a notable drop in the property tax bill for many property owners in these rate classes.
“The Province has removed the School Tax rate reduction for 2021. It is therefore recommended that property tax payers compare their 2021 Tax Notice to their 2019 notice to get a more accurate picture of the change in taxes levied.”
The NOW has received numerous complaints from some taxpayers about the increase, including Gerardo Trasolini.
“My current tax bill came in at $51,185.37 based on my property assessment of $4,748,000,” Trasolini wrote. “Last year, I paid $36,683.70 based on a property assessment of $4,823,000. My assessment went down by $75,000 and my taxes went up by $14,501.67. How is this justified? I don’t recall receiving $14,501.67 in more services from the City of Burnaby over the past year.”
The deadline to pay taxes is coming soon. To avoid penalties, all fees must be paid in full on or before July 5, 2021.
