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A Comprehensive Guide to Paying Toronto Property Tax Online

Toronto is a vibrant city known for its diverse culture and thriving real estate market. Owning property in Toronto provides not only an exclusive place of residency but also responsibility, specifically property taxes. This article will provide a step-by-step guide on how to pay Toronto property tax online with ease and convenience.

Understanding Toronto Property Tax

Before proceeding with the payment process, it's important to understand what this tax represents. Toronto Property Tax is levied based on the assessed value of a property, which funds essential city services like transportation, parks, and public health initiatives. The property assessment is carried out by the Municipal Property Assessment Corporation (MPAC), and it's typically based on the market values from a few years prior.

Create an e-Post account

The first step in paying your Toronto property taxes online is to set up your e-Post account. The e-Post system is a secure platform for receiving, viewing, and managing your bills and statements. To create an account, visit the e-Post website, click on the 'Sign Up' button, and follow the instructions. You will need a valid email address for this process.

Add City of Toronto to your e-Post account

Once you have created your e-Post account, you need to add the City of Toronto to your mailers list. Log into your account and navigate to the 'Add a Mailer' option. Search for 'Toronto (City of)', and click 'Add Mailer.' You will need your Property Tax account number for this step, which can be found on your Property Tax bill.

Pay through your Bank's Online or Mobile Banking

Most banks and financial institutions in Toronto offer the option of paying your property tax online or through mobile banking. This can be set up by using the 'Add a Payee' function on your bank's website or mobile app. The payee name you should look for is 'Toronto (City) Taxes' or a similar variant. For this, you will need your 21-digit property roll number, found on your Property Tax bill.

Use Pre-Authorized Tax Payment (PTP) Program

If you prefer a more automated method, the City of Toronto offers a Pre-Authorized Tax Payment (PTP) Program. This allows for automatic withdrawals from your bank account twice a year (Interim and Final Tax bills) or on a monthly basis. To enrol in this program, complete the Pre-Authorized Tax Payment Plan form available on the City of Toronto's website and send it either by mail or fax.

Pay by Credit Card or PayPal

To pay your property tax using a credit card or Paypal, the City of Toronto uses a payment processing platform called 'Paymentus'. Please note, there is a service fee for transactions using this method. Paymentus can be accessed from the 'Property Tax & Utility Inquiry' on the City's website.

Utilizing Toronto's Online Portal

Finally, the City of Toronto has a comprehensive online portal where you can check your account balance, view your bill, and make payments. To access these services, you will need to register a profile on the city's website and have your Customer Account number and PIN, which can be found on your Property Tax bill.

Pay your Toronto Property Tax online is secure, convenient, and simple. With these clearly outlined steps, you can easily navigate the process from the comfort of your home. The system is designed to accommodate a variety of payment methods to suit your preferences, making it even more user-friendly. As always, ensure you set reminders for due dates to avoid late penalties and maintain a good track record.