Paying Your Tax Bill

Cheques

• Include the installment stub with your payment to make sure we credit it properly to your account
• Write your property roll number(s) directly on any cheque
• You can submit post-dated cheques for due date payments

Credits cards

To pay by credit card, a fee of 2.6% will be added to your payment. Fill out the Credit Card Payment Form.

Late payments

Penalty and/or interest are calculated on the overdue tax balance the first day of every month at a rate of 1.25% until paid. Payment must be received on or before the due date to avoid these charges. The County does not accept the postmark as proof of the date of receipt.

If you do not receive a tax bill, you are still responsible for paying it and you are still liable for the penalty for late payment. The County Tax Collector has no authority to waive or change penalty and/or interest charges for any reason.

If you make a payment at the bank, there is no guarantee that the payment will be made on time.

Mortgage company

If your mortgage company is responsible for paying your taxes, forward your bill to them as soon as possible to make sure your payment occurs before the due date.

Online banking

• Set up internet/telephone banking with your own bank or credit union
• Enter payee as "Brant County Taxes"
• Enter your 19 digit roll number, starting with 2920

For help with online banking, contact your bank or credit union.

Pre-authorized payment plan

There are many benefits of pre-authorized chequing:

• No cheques to write
• No postage to pay
• No missed payments when on vacation
• Cheques no longer delayed in the mail or at the bank
• Avoid late payment charges

Eligibility
You are eligible to join the Pre-authorized Payment Plan if your property tax payments are up to date. If you have arrears on your account, they must be paid prior to enrollment. Special arrangements to clear up your arrears by this method may be made by calling us.

How to Join

• Complete the Preauthorized Tax Payment form (paper copies available at County of Brant offices)
• Attached a void cheque to your completed application form and deliver or mail to the County of Brant Burford office

For joint accounts, all depositors must sign if more than one signature is required on the cheques issued against your bank account. Your registration for the plan must be received one week before your first desired deduction date.

Types of Plans

Monthly Automatic Tax Payment Plan (11 monthly payments)

• Begins in January with no payments necessary in December
• Monthly payments are due either on the 1st or 15th of each month
• First monthly payments are calculated based on your previous year's taxes and are deducted from your bank account
• Final payments are calculated on the final amount due based on approved current tax rates
• You are notified by mail of your monthly payment
• Plans started through the year are pro-rated

Automatic Due Date Tax Payment Plan

• Payments are withdrawn on the regular tax due dates

Self-Directed Pre-Authorized Payment Plan

The self-directed plan is for accounts that have outstanding tax arrears. To learn more and apply for this plan see the Self-Directed PAP Application form.

Cancelling your Pre-Authorized Payment Plan

If you wish to withdraw from the plan, notify the Taxation Division in writing 30 days before your next withdrawal date.

The County of Brant may cancel the privilege of continuing the plan if two payments do not go through or are returned non-sufficient funds. Any unpaid balances due to a payment not being honoured are subject to penalties if overdue.

Supplementary and omitted bills must be paid separately as they will not be included with pre-authorization plan.

Notify the Taxation Division immediately at 519.44BRANT, 1855.44BRANT if you move or change your bank account.

Unacceptable payment method

You cannot pay your property taxes over-the-counter at a bank.

Tips

• Keep your bills and receipts safe. You will have to pay a fee to get a duplicate tax bill or written receipt
• For income tax purposes, normally only the amount on the Ontario Tax Credit schedule is needed. You do not need to send a copy of your tax bill or a receipt unless you are specifically asked.