HomeMy WebLinkAboutFIN 02-21
Report to Council
Report Number: FIN 02-21
Date: January 25, 2021
From: Stan Karwowski
Director, Finance & Treasurer
Subject: Property Tax Deferral Program
- File: F-4200-001
Recommendation:
1. That Report FIN 02-21 of the Director, Finance & Treasurer be received;
2. That the Director, Finance & Treasurer be authorized to develop a 2021 Property Tax
Deferral Program for the residential property tax class and that the property tax payments be
deferred and interest and penalty be waived for up to ninety days for those that meet the
criteria; and
3. That the appropriate City of Pickering officials be authorized to take the necessary actions as
indicated in this report.
Executive Summary: The COVID-19 pandemic presents one of the greatest financial
challenges that our community has seen in generations. The COVID-19 pandemic has affected
many Pickering taxpayers at the same time. With the City operating under the current
provincewide shutdown, staff recommend to introduce a “Property Tax Deferral Program” for
residential property owners that have been financially impacted based on the following principles:
Property taxes were paid in full by February 29, 2020 or are up-to-date by December 31, 2020.
Penalty and interest will be waived for three months (March, April and May) and then applied
on June 1, 2021.
The applicant must establish a disruption or lack of employment beginning in March 2020 or
later by providing documentation.
Residential property owners that pay their property taxes through their mortgage payment are
not eligible for this program.
Staff will promote this program through the interim property tax brochure, community page ad and
City website. Staff will report back to Council in Q2 with further information related to the program
uptake.
Financial Implications: The cost of providing this program and the impact on the 2021 late
payment charges will depend on the volume of applications received and approved.
FIN 02-21 January 25, 2021
Subject: Property Tax Deferral Program Page 2
Discussion: As indicated above, interested taxpayers would complete an application and if
eligible, would have the late payment fees (penalty and interest) waived for the months of March,
April and May. Applicants of the program will be required to demonstrate and provide supporting
documentation of financial hardship incurred as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic in one or
more categories: suspension of pay and/or loss of pay. Staff will consider the following supporting
documentation as proof of a decrease of income: Record of Employment or ROE; lay-off notice;
termination letter, letter from employer and evidence of receiving of benefits under a Federal
Benefit program. In addition, the property owner must not have tax arrears either prior to February
29, 2020 or December 31, 2020. Applications received by the end of April 30th will be eligible to be
backdated to March 1st and to receive the full 90 days of property tax deferral.
The current work plan is to have the application posted on the City’s website to facilit ate the
process. The website will include additional information regarding the application process.
Property owners that have their property taxes paid with their mortgage payment by their financial
institutions are not eligible for the property tax deferral program. As these accounts have no
amounts outstanding, the property owner is encouraged to speak with their financial institution to
seek any payment flexibility which they may require.
Last year, Council approved a two month deferral program for late fees (April and May). This
year’s Pickering program is providing a three month deferral. Some municipalities have
established the criteria that the deferred amount has to paid in full in order to receive the financial
benefit. Pickering’s program does not require any payment during the 90 days. It should be noted
that if any of the applicant information is incorrect or inaccurate, the taxpayer will be removed from
the program and penalty will be retroactively applied to March 1, 2021.
Staff will continue to monitor the situation during the next three months as it relates to the
provincewide shutdown and its impact on the local taxpayer and business community.
Prepared By: Approved/Endorsed By:
Original Signed By: Original Signed By:
Mike Jones Stan Karwowski
Supervisor, Taxation Director, Finance & Treasurer
Recommended for the consideration
of Pickering City Council
Original Signed By:
Marisa Carpino, M.A.
Interim Chief Administrative Officer