Explore payment options for property taxes
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Reminder: First instalment deadline is March 25
As the first instalment deadline approaches, the City of Vaughan is reminding citizens of the many easy and convenient ways to pay interim property tax bills – including online banking, mail or pre-authorized programs. Tax relief programs for seniors and low-income residents who qualify are also available. Explore all options at vaughan.ca/PropertyTax.
As the first instalment deadline approaches, the City of Vaughan is reminding citizens of the many easy and convenient ways to pay interim property tax bills – including online banking, mail or pre-authorized programs. Tax relief programs for seniors and low-income residents who qualify are also available. Explore all options at vaughan.ca/PropertyTax.
Due dates for residential and non-residential interim property tax bill payments are:
- First instalment – Thursday, March 25
- Second instalment – Thursday, April 29
- Third instalment – Thursday, May 27
The City’s 2021 interim residential and non-residential property tax bills were mailed out to all Vaughan property owners – with a new, updated, easy-to-read look. If the tax bill was not received, contact the City immediately at 905-832-2281 or accessvaughan@vaughan.ca. Failure to receive a tax bill does not exempt you from paying property taxes – late payment penalties will be added.
MANY PAYMENT OPTIONS AVAILABLE
- Pre-authorized payment plans: The City offers two options that include –
- *NEW* 10 instalments: In 2021, the City of Vaughan transitioned to a new tax system that changed the first automatic withdrawal date to March 1. There are only 10 withdrawals/payments for 2021 instead of the usual 11. The bill sent in February outlined the instalment dates from March 1 to July 1. Another bill will be sent in June outlining the instalment dates from Aug. 1 to Dec. 1. Your account must be at a zero balance in order to qualify.
- Six instalments: The interim and final billing's tax instalments are withdrawn automatically from the selected bank account on each due date. Your tax account must be at a zero balance to qualify for this program.
- Post-dated cheques: Post-dated cheques corresponding with the amounts and due dates printed on the tax stubs can be used. Please include all tax stubs with the cheques as applicable when sending to the City. A fee will apply if any post-dated cheques need to be sent back.
- Financial institutions: Taxes can be paid at all major banks either in-person, through the bank machine, online or via telephone. Payments will also be accepted from any other financial institution that will facilitate tax payments. Some financial institutions may charge a fee for this service.
- At City Hall: Drop-off boxes at each entrance of Vaughan City Hall can be used for submitting cheques. The boxes are emptied at least twice a day. Cash should not be dropped off in these boxes.
- By mail: Cheques and money orders should be made payable to the City of Vaughan and mailed to Vaughan City Hall in the return envelope enclosed with your tax bill, in addition to the payment stub. Please mail early as payments delayed in the mail and received after the due date will be subject to a penalty charge. Do not send cash through the mail.
TAX RELIEF PROGRAMS
The City also continues to operate tax relief programs for our senior citizens, including the Elderly Home-Owners Tax Assistance (PDF) program and the Seniors, Low-Income Seniors and Low-Income Disabled Persons Property Tax Deferral program (PDF). Check vaughan.ca/PropertyTax for eligibility, deadlines and how to apply.
BREAKING DOWN THE YEARLY TAX BILL
The property tax bill may come in a City of Vaughan envelope, but less than 27 cents of every dollar stays with the City to provide all programs and services. Here is a breakdown of how residential property taxes are allocated:
- 49 cents to York Region
- 27 cents to City of Vaughan
- 23 cents to local school boards (Province of Ontario for education purposes)
- One cent to the Hospital Precinct Levy
Municipal services in Vaughan are provided by two tiers of government – the City of Vaughan and York Region. As an example, the City retains approximately $1,600 of an average $6,000 annual property tax bill to support critical services that residents rely on each day, including Vaughan Fire and Rescue Service; public works and road services; waste management; infrastructure replacement; maintenance of City facilities; city planning and development; Building Code enforcement; and by-law and compliance. These services and more remain important and operational during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Unanimously approved by Mayor Maurizio Bevilacqua and Members of Council on Dec. 15, 2020, the Council-approved 2021 Budget and 2022 Financial Plan delivers on the City’s mission of Citizens First Through Service Excellence and balances the needs of managing unprecedented growth, investing in infrastructure and supporting economic development – all while respecting citizens’ hard-earned tax dollars throughout the global COVID-19 pandemic. As outlined in the plan, a zero per cent increase to the property tax rate will take effect for the 2021 tax year and will be reflected in the final bill calculation.
LOOKING FOR MORE INFORMATION?
Visit vaughan.ca/PropertyTax for more information about Vaughan property taxes, your bill and the available payment options.
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