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.
How Property Taxes are Calculated
How Property Taxes Are Calculated
Property taxes are determined through a structured process:
Financial Plan & Budget
Financial Plan & Budget
Each year, the Village adopts a five-year Financial Plan that outlines:
- How much revenue is needed
- What services and projects are funded
- How taxes are used
👉 2026-2030 Financial Plan Bylaw
The plan prioritizes:
- Operating services
- Asset renewal and infrastructure
- Service enhancements
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