Some of the more than 397,000 rural property owners in British Columbia may be wondering how to pay their property taxes by the July 4, 2011, tax deadline during a postal strike.

Despite the postal disruption, rural property owners are still responsible for paying their property tax assessments by July 4, or regular penalties and interest charges will apply. Applications for home owner grants, and applications and renewals for property tax deferment, must also be completed by this deadline.

There are several payment options available to rural property owners:

• In person at most banks and credit unions.
• In person or via courier to local Service BC Centres.
• Internet or telephone banking through most financial institutions.

Rural property owners who have not received a tax notice by mid-June should contact their local Service BC Centre listed in the blue pages of the telephone directory or at: www.servicebc.gov.bc.ca/locations/

Property owners can also contact the Surveyor of Taxes office at 250 387-0555 (toll-free through Enquiry BC at 1 800 663-7867) or by email at: ruraltax@gov.bc.ca

Rural property tax applies to land outside cities, towns, districts and village boundaries in British Columbia. Information and eligibility requirements for home owner grants, property tax deferment programs, and detailed rural property tax information, including payment options and program guidelines, is available online at: www.sbr.gov.bc.ca/rpt/

Urban property owners should contact their local municipality to determine when their property taxes are due.

More information is also available at: www.fin.gov.bc.ca/postal_strike_info.htm

Media Contact:

Jamie Edwardson
Communication Manager
Ministry of Finance
250 356-9872