Photo: File

Applications for new and returning permissive tax exemptions are available online or at City Hall, the City of Vernon reminds residents.

“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,” the city says.

Applications must be submitted no later than 4:30 p.m. July 15.

"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.

Eligibility for exemption for other non-profit organizations is based on the principal use of the property. A property will be eligible 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 British Columbia registered non-profit society
• Uses the property primarily for a purpose covered by Section 224 of the Community Charter
• Primarily serves the residents of Greater Vernon
• Has its membership to the society open to any resident of Greater 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

?Applications are available on the city’s website.