Richmond city hall will re-open to the public on Monday, June 8 – but only to allow people to pay property tax and utility bills.
The city is also stressing that it won’t be taking cash payments, only cheques, debit or credit cards.
More than 80,000 tax notices were issued recently and payment is due on or before Thursday, July 2.
People are encouraged to pay by that date to enable the city to keep vital services in place to support community needs during these challenging times.
While many residents submit their payments online or by cheque, some prefer to pay through a city cashier.
Business hours will be Monday to Friday from 8:15 a.m. until 5 p.m. and anyone coming to city hall will be required to strictly follow physical distancing guidelines and adhere to entry and exit rules.
The city said that anyone wishing to pay their tax or utility bill with cash will have to do it at their financial institution.
To avoid line-ups, people are encouraged to pay online through their financial institution or the city website, or by cheque mailed to the city or placed in the city hall drop box, which remains open 24/7.
The city is reminding people not to deposit cash into the drop box as it will not be processed. Service fees apply for credit card payments.
Due to the pandemic, the city has extended the penalty period for taxpayers this year. Anyone who has not paid their property taxes, claimed their home owner grant (if eligible) or successfully applied to the BC Property Tax Deferment Program by Sept. 30 will be subject to a 10 per cent penalty after that date.
Information on the City of Richmond property tax payment process and options can be found at www.richmond.ca/tax.
Tax or utility enquiries can be made by phone to the City Tax Department at 604-276-4145 or via email to [email protected]. Detailed information and eligibility requirements for the BC Property Tax Deferment Program are available on the Provincial website at www.gov.bc.ca/propertytaxdeferment.
