When Are Property Taxes Due in Winnipeg, Manitoba, and What if Late?

Property tax is one of the larger yearly costs of owning a home in Winnipeg, and it is easy to lose track of when payment is expected. Many owners pay through their mortgage lender, while others pay the City directly, and the two situations need different checks.

This article explains where to find your due date, what to look for in your payment options, and in general terms what can follow if a payment is missed. Specific dates, penalty rates and tax sale timelines are set by the City of Winnipeg and the governing legislation, so confirm the current figures on your bill or with the City before you rely on them.

This article covers the law of Manitoba.

Finding your due date

The most reliable source for your due date is your own tax bill or your online City account. The bill shows the amount owing, the date it is expected, and how to pay. If you recently bought the home, your bill may differ from the previous owner's, so do not assume last year's pattern applies to you.

• Check the most recent tax bill or notice you received.
• Look at your City of Winnipeg online account, if you have one.
• Ask your mortgage lender whether taxes are paid from your mortgage payments.
• Confirm the mailing address the City has on file for you.

If you did not receive a bill, contact the City to confirm what is owing and when. How this applies depends on your situation, so it is worth confirming with a lawyer.

Payment options to look into

Cities usually offer more than one way to pay, and some allow payments to be spread over the year rather than made in one lump sum. Which options are open to you, and any deadlines to enrol in them, should be confirmed with the City directly.

• Online or telephone banking through your own financial institution.
• Payment in person or by mail, following the instructions on the bill.
• Any instalment or pre-authorized plan the City offers, including how and when to sign up.
• Payment through your mortgage lender, if your mortgage includes a tax account.

If your lender pays the taxes, still check that the payment was made. What follows if a payment is missed depends on your situation, so it is worth confirming with the City or a lawyer.

What can happen if you pay late

What happens if you pay your Winnipeg property tax late depends on the City's own rules, so it is worth confirming the details with the City or a lawyer. Look at your bill and your City account for the exact terms that apply to you.

How the City deals with taxes that stay unpaid for a long time depends on your situation, so it is worth confirming with a lawyer. The steps, the notice you would receive and the timelines depend on the rules in force, so get the current details from the City or a lawyer rather than guessing.

For most homeowners, the practical point is simple: the earlier you deal with an overdue balance, the more choices you are likely to have.

If you cannot pay on time

• Contact the City before the due date if you can, and ask what arrangements are available.
• Ask your lender whether a tax account or a mortgage review could help.
• Keep a record of every call, letter and payment.
• If a notice about the property arrives, do not ignore it; read the deadlines it sets.

If you have other debts, a separation, or a death in the household affecting who is paying, mention it when you call. These situations can complicate who is responsible and are worth raising with a lawyer.

What to do next

• Find your latest bill and note the due date and amount.
• Confirm whether you or your lender pays the tax.
• Set a reminder a few days before each payment date.
• Contact the City about any overdue balance right away.
• Speak with a lawyer if you have received a formal notice about unpaid taxes.

Frequently asked questions