Council approves permissive tax exemptions

The City of Merritt grants permissive tax exemptions on a four-year term. The latest exemptions occurred in 2021 running through 2024.

Permissive Exemption includes classes of properties which are mainly used by non-profit, social, cultural, athletic and recreational organization. It permits the exemption of a property from all property taxation except for parcel taxes, user fees and other charges that are not based on property assessment.

Many organizations, such as places of worship, have a statutory exemption that must be granted.

For the 2022 tax year, two new applicants have been approved.

“The Fraser Basin Property Society is the Anglican Church. This permissive exemption was granted last year, but then the applicant subdivided the property so they need to re-apply for the piece of the property that is still being used for permitted purposes, while the non-qualifying parcel will begin accruing property taxes,” noted Sean Strange. “The other applicant, Helewu Child Care Society, is a new applicant and a new business in the community, operating out of a newly leased building.”

The new bylaw was passed by council unanimously.