What are the property tax due dates?

Please refer to the Property Taxes page for up-to-date information.

How can I pay my property taxes?

  • Pre-Authorized Payment Plan – You can sign up for monthly automatic withdrawal, or automatic withdrawal on the tax due dates. To sign apply for our Pre-Authorized Payment Plan, please complete the application form.
  • In Person – Payments can be made in person in Customer Service at City Hall. Our business hours are Monday – Friday from 8:30am-4:30pm (excluding Holidays). Cash, cheque, and debit are accepted.
  • Online/Internet Payments – Using your 19-digit roll number, no spaces, decimals, or dashes. Search “Sarnia (City) Taxes” or “Sarnia Tax” to add as a payee. Please allow 2-3 business days for processing. Please note that we do not accept Interact e-Transfers.
  • At your Financial Institution – Payment can be made at most financial institutions. Please allow 2-3 business days for processing.
  • Post Dated Cheques – Mailed or dropped off and held until cheque date.
  • Mail – to Sarnia City Hall, Tax Office, 255 Christina Street North, PO Box 3018, Sarnia Ontario, N7T 7N2 (cheques only).
  • Drop Box – located at the Christina Street Entrance (cheques only).

What account number do I use in my online banking bill payment?

The 19-digit roll number shown on your tax bill is the account number for online banking. Please remember not to use any spaces, dashes, or decimals.

I pay my taxes with my mortgage – why did I receive a bill?

We are legislatively required to send the Final property tax bill to all property owners. Your bill will indicate that your mortgage company has been provided with the information to make the payment on your behalf.

I am enrolled in the Monthly Payment Plan – why did I receive a bill??

We are legislatively required to send the Final property tax bill to all property owners. Your bill will indicate that you are on the pre-authorized payment plan and will include a payment schedule.

I have questions about my assessment.

Assessment-related inquiries should be directed to the Municipal Property Assessment Corporation (MPAC), located at:

1401 Michigan Ave., Unit 1, Sarnia, ON
Phone: 1-866-296-MPAC (6722)
TTY: 1-877-889 MPAC (6722)
Fax: 1-866-297-6703
Website: www.mpac.ca

 

Why have water arrears been added to my property taxes?

Past due water balances may be added to the property tax account for collection. New property owners that receive a water arrears notice should contact their lawyer. The City will not remove any water charges or fees incurred by the previous owner.

What if my payment is late?

Penalty and interest are charged 15% per annum, applied the first business day of each month on all past due balances. Late payment charges are set in accordance with current legislation and cannot be waived. If payment in full is not received by the installment due date, a property tax arrears notice will be issued and a $5.00 fee will be applied. Failure to receive a bill does not excuse the home owner from payment responsibility.

Can I sign up for automatic payments?

Yes, we offer a Monthly pre-authorized payment plan as well as a Due Date pre-authorized payment plan. To sign up, complete the online application form, download the form below, or visit Customer Service at Sarnia City Hall. There is no cost to enroll in a pre-authorized tax payment plan.
Please refer to the Pre-Authorized Payment Plan Guidelines for additional information.  Please note that pre-authorized payment plans are not transferable when moving within Sarnia.

To change banking information or cancel a pre-authorized payment plan, please complete the online Pre-Authorized Payment Plan Cancellation or Account Information Change Form or download the form below. Notice must be provided prior to the 20th of the month in which the change is required. You can also visit us in person or email us at taxes@sarnia.ca

How do I change my mailing address?

If the mailing address of your property is changing, please complete our Change of Information Form, call us at 519-332-0330 ext. 3131, or email taxes@sarnia.ca to ensure the change is reflected on the City’s records.

How do I apply for a registered charity rebate?

If you are a registered charitable organization renting space in a commercial or industrial property, download and submit the Application for Registered Charity Rebate Program.

The deadline for submitting an application is February 28 of the year following the taxation year to which the application relates.

Downloads

Pre-Authorized Payment Plan Guidelines
Pre-Authorized Payment Plan Application Form
Pre-Authorized Payment Plan Cancellation or Account Information Change Form
Application for Registered Charity Rebate Program