Moving the issuing of property tax certificates online is expected to speed up the processing of property sales in White Rock by eliminating faxed requests.
The city has joined Surrey, Langley, Vancouver and most other Lower Mainland municipalities in making the change to an internet system through BC OnLine at www.bconline.gov.bc.ca.
The certificates are an important part of the process when someone buys or sells a home or other property in B.C. because they reveal the amount of taxes an owner can expect to pay, whether a homeowner grant has been claimed on the property and, most importantly, if there are any outstanding taxes payable.
By law, a property cannot change hands if any taxes are owing.
Previously a lawyer or notary would have to fax a request for a tax certificate to the city and then wait for the certificate to be faxed back, something that could take more than a day depending on when the request was made.
The new online service can accomplish the same task in as little as one hour.
“This new service is a progressive way to better serve the needs of professionals that require tax certificates,” White Rock Mayor Wayne Baldwin said Monday.
With the addition of the City of White Rock, BC OnLine said its coverage of the Lower Mainland is almost complete, with Delta yet to join.
The provincial government agency provides internet access to e-government services for legal, business, government and professionals.
To obtain a tax certificate online, you must be a registered customer of BC OnLine.
For more information, or to become a registered customer of BC OnLine, you can visit their website at www.bconline.gov.bc.ca or phone 1-800-663-6102.