Property taxes are collected annually to fund Village services and to collect taxes on behalf of other agencies, including the Province (school taxes), the Regional District of Central Kootenay (RDCK), and other public bodies.
Each year, property tax notices are mailed to property owners in May. Taxes must be paid by the due date to avoid penalty, whether or not a notice is received.
Getting Help
If you have questions about your tax notice, please contact the Village:
- Phone: 250‑353‑2311
- Email: admin@kaslo.ca
Understanding Your Property Tax Notice
Understanding Your Property Tax Notice
Your property tax notice is one bill showing the total amount owing, made up of several charges:
- Village (Municipal) – local services and operations
- RDCK – regional services
- School – provincial school taxes
- Hospital – regional hospital levy
- Police – policing costs
- Other – Municipal Finance Authority and BC Assessment
👉 View our 2026 Tax Notice Guide
This guide explains each section of your tax notice and was included with your mailed notice.
What Portion Does the Village Control?
Only the municipal portion of your taxes is set by Village Council.
The Village is required to collect the remaining charges on behalf of other agencies.
👉 This means changes to your total tax bill are often influenced by external agencies, even if the Village portion changes only modestly.
What Changed in 2026?
For 2026, Council adopted a financial plan to maintain service levels and address rising costs.
- General municipal tax increase: 9%
- Municipal taxes support:
- Core services (roads, parks, fire protection, administration)
- Asset maintenance and renewal
- Ongoing operations and staffing
This increase reflects:
- Rising costs (labour, materials, utilities)
- Maintaining current service levels
- Investment in infrastructure and assets
What This Means for a Typical Property
For an average single-family home:
- Municipal portion: $1,278.70/year
- Municipal increase: ~$90.58/year (~$7.55/month)
- Other agencies: $2,184.52
- Total property tax: $3,463.22
👉 Even if the Village portion stays stable, your total bill may change due to RDCK, school, hospital, or policing increases.
Where Your Taxes Go
Property taxes fund a range of services, including:
- Roads, transportation, and snow removal
- Fire protection and emergency services
- Parks, recreation, and community amenities
- Water and wastewater systems
- Planning and development services
They also fund long-term priorities like asset renewal and infrastructure replacement, which remains a key challenge for many small communities.
Permissive Tax Exemptions
Permissive Tax Exemptions
Overview
The Village of Kaslo recognizes the important contributions that non-profit organizations, volunteer groups, charities, places of worship, and other community organizations make to the social, cultural, educational, and physical well-being of our community. Permissive tax exemptions are one way Council may support organizations that provide community benefits and services to residents.
A permissive tax exemption is a discretionary exemption from property taxation granted by Council under the Community Charter. Unlike statutory exemptions, permissive tax exemptions are not automatic and must be approved by Council through a bylaw
Who Can Apply?
Council may consider applications from eligible properties owned or occupied by:
- Registered non-profit organizations
- Charitable organizations
- Places of worship
- Private schools
- Hospitals
- Organizations that provide services or programs that benefit the residents of Kaslo and complement services provided by the Village
To be eligible, applicants must:
- Qualify under Section 224 of the Community Charter
- Be a registered non-profit organization
- Comply with municipal bylaws, policies, regulations, and licensing requirements
- Demonstrate that the property's principal use provides a community benefit
- Demonstrate that Kaslo residents are the primary beneficiaries of the services provided
Non-profit organizations operating commercial or retail activities that compete directly with for-profit businesses are generally not eligible for a permissive tax exemption.
Types of Exemptions
The Village administers two application streams:
Places of Worship, Private Schools and Hospitals
Eligible organizations may receive a permissive tax exemption for up to five years through a single application. Organizations remain responsible for notifying the Village of any change in ownership or use of the property.
Other Non-Profit Organizations
Eligible non-profit organizations may receive a one-year exemption. Successful applicants may submit simplified annual renewal applications for up to four additional years before submitting a new comprehensive application.
Application Requirements
Applications must include supporting documentation such as:
- CRA Registered Charity Information Return or Non-Profit Organization Information Return
- Most recent audited financial statements
- Current financial budget
- Property site plan or scale drawing
- Lease agreement (if applicable)
Council may request additional information or a presentation from the applicant as part of the review process.
Application Deadline
2027 applications and supporting documentation must be submitted no later than August 21, 2026 to be considered for the next taxation year.
Late applications may be considered prior to Council's annual permissive tax exemption bylaw being presented for consideration; however, applications received after that point will not be considered until the following year.
Council Review
All applications are reviewed by Village staff for completeness and eligibility. Staff prepare recommendations for Council's consideration. Council retains full discretion to approve, deny, partially approve, or impose conditions on any exemption request.
Conditions may include:
- Requirements for public access to facilities
- Service delivery commitments
- Reporting obligations
- Registration of covenants or agreements relating to property use
Council may also revoke exemptions or impose other remedies if conditions are not met.
Public Notice
Before a permissive tax exemption bylaw is adopted, the Village must provide public notice in accordance with the Community Charter. The notice includes information on the proposed exemptions and the estimated value of taxes that would otherwise be collected.
Annual Financial Impact
Permissive tax exemptions are a form of financial assistance provided by the Village. The taxes exempted for eligible properties are borne by the remaining tax base. For this reason, Council carefully considers each application based on community benefit, fairness, and alignment with Village priorities.
Forms and Policy
- Permissive Tax Exemption Application Form
- Permissive Tax Exemption Policy
- Current Permissive Tax Exemption Bylaw
For additional information, please contact us at admin@kaslo.ca.
How Property Taxes are Calculated
How Property Taxes Are Calculated
Property taxes are determined through a structured process:
BC Assessment Information
What is BC Assessment?
BC Assessment is a provincial Crown corporation responsible for assessing the value of all properties in British Columbia. These assessed values are used by local governments, including the Village of Kaslo, to help determine how property taxes are distributed among property owners.
It’s important to note that BC Assessment does not set property tax rates. The Village of Kaslo sets its annual tax rate based on the municipal budget, while assessed values determine each property’s share of the taxes collected.
Understanding Your Property Assessment
Each year, property owners receive a Property Assessment Notice from BC Assessment, typically in early January. Your assessment reflects:
- The estimated market value of your property as of July 1 of the previous year
- Your property’s classification
- Any applicable exemptions
Changes in your assessment value do not automatically mean your property taxes will increase or decrease. Taxes depend on how your assessment changes compared to the average change across the community.
For detailed information about how assessments work, visit:
- BC Assessment website: https://www.bcassessment.ca
- Province of BC – Property Assessment: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/taxes/property-taxes/annual-property-tax/property-assessment
Helpful BC Assessment Videos
BC Assessment provides short, easy‑to‑understand videos explaining the assessment process. The following official videos are especially helpful for residents:
- Understanding Assessments vs. Taxes (30 seconds)
- How BC Assessment Assesses Properties
- Understanding Property Assessments & Property Taxes
- How to Ensure the Accuracy of Your Assessment
- BC Assessment YouTube Channel (all videos)
Questions or Concerns About Your Assessment
If you have questions about your assessment or believe it may be inaccurate:
- Review your assessment notice carefully
- Contact BC Assessment directly to discuss any concerns
- If necessary, you may file an appeal through the Property Assessment Review Panel (PARP)
BC Assessment contact information and appeal details are included on your assessment notice and on their website.
How This Relates to Your Property Taxes
The Village of Kaslo uses BC Assessment values to fairly distribute property taxes once the annual budget and tax rates are approved. More information on municipal taxation can be found on the main Finance page.
Home Owner Grant
Home Owner Grant
The Home Owner Grant reduces property taxes for eligible principal residences.
- Up to $770 (regular)
- Up to $1,045 (seniors/qualified applicants)
👉 Apply for the Home Owner Grant
You must apply every year after receiving your notice.
Tax Deferment
Tax Deferment
Eligible homeowners may defer property taxes through a provincial program.
- The Province pays your taxes now
- You repay later with interest
- A lien is placed on the property
Make a Payment
Make a Payment
Paying your utilities, taxes, etc:
Online option through KSCU:
If you are a Kootenay Savings Credit Union, Central 1 Bank or BC Credit Union client, you can make an online bill payment to Village of Kaslo. When you set this up for the first time, the account number is either “T” (for taxes), “W” (for water), “S” (for sewer), “B” (for business license) or “R” (for accounts receivable) followed by the Roll or Account Number. If your account number is less than six digits add zeros at the beginning to make it so (example: T009999).
In person (Cash, Cheque, Debit):
Village of Kaslo City Hall, 413 Fourth Street. Our in-person public service hours are Monday to Friday 10:00 am to 3:00 pm.
There is a black drop-box outside our B Avenue entrance, accessible 24/7 for cheques only.
By Mail (Cheque, Bank Draft):
PO Box 576, Kaslo, BC V0G 1M0 Please make cheque payable to “Village of Kaslo” and indicate the Roll or Account Number in the note so we credit the payment to the right account.
By VISA or M/C:
The Village of Kaslo is now accepting online payments with select credit cards through the secure OptionPay System (with applicable third party fees), click the button below:
Utility Payments
Utility Bills for water and sewer charges are mailed in January each year. Water payments must be received by the Village no later than March 31 in order to avoid late payment penalties. Sewer payments are due December 31.
Tax Payments
Property tax payments are due on or before July 2 at 4:00 p.m. in order to avoid late payment penalties. Property tax bills are mailed out by Canada Post at the end of May.
All payments must be received in the Village Office by the due date to avoid a penalty.
Important: If you are paying electronically, allow 3 – 5 business days for processing.