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Tax exemption process proceeds in Vernon

The applications for new and returning permissive tax exemption are available online or at Vernon city hall.
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The applications for new and returning permissive tax exemption are available online or at Vernon city hall.

Applications must be submitted on the prescribed application form and submitted no later than 4:30 p.m. July 31.

“Permissive tax exemptions provide a reduction in property taxation and are a recognition of the value of volunteers and volunteer groups and agencies to the social, cultural, educational and physical well-being of Vernon,” said Tanya Laing Gahr, the city’s communications officer.

Non-profit organizations and places of worship may apply as long as the subject property meets the criteria established by council policy. For places of worship in which the church property is owned by or on behalf of a recognized church, the land surrounding the church building may be exempted to a maximum of seven times the area of the church building. Manses, including land equivalent to a normal-sized city lot, are not exempt from taxation.

A property will be eligible for the exemption if the applicant:

Is the registered owner of the property, or a tenant under a lease requiring it to pay taxes directly to the city;

Is a B.C. registered non-profit society;

Uses the property primarily for a purpose covered by section 224 of the Community Charter;

Primarily serves the residents of Vernon;

Has its membership to the society open to any resident of Vernon;

Provides a service supporting the social, spiritual, cultural, educational or physical well-being of the community;

Provides a copy of its most recent certified financial statements to the city, and a budget for the current year to demonstrate sound financial management; and

The application for Permissive Tax Exemption is submitted within the intake period.

Applications are available at www.vernon.ca/services/finance