Business licence renewals due Jan. 15

Dec 2, 2020 | 9:52 AM Pete McIntyre

City of Kelowna business licence renewals are in the mail and are due on Jan. 15. This year, the city has moved business licensing to an enhanced online system to better serve customers by integrating business licensing with the existing Property Account system.

“Many residents are familiar with Property Account as the online space where they can manage property tax and utility account information,” said Greg Wise, Business Licence Manager. “We added business licensing to the system which provides business owners with more control and flexibility over their business licence account.”

All business licencees, whether they already use Property Account for city property taxes and utilities, will need to register their business licence with the online Property Account system. A step-by-step informational brochure is included with the 2021 business license renewal notice and is also available online. By registering a business licence(s) with a City Property Account, licencees will:

have online access to historical bills and business licenses (created after Nov. 2020),
have the ability to print an official business licence,
be able to go paperless and choose eBilling for accounts to receive bills via email and
be able to pay online by credit card or online banking.

In addition, businesses with existing Inter-Community Mobile licences will no longer need to request it each year. Once registered with a Property Account, the Inter-Community Mobile licence will be renewed automatically on an annual basis.

Earlier this year, the City expanded its online services by updating processes so that residents and developers can access, complete, submit and pay for building permit applications fully online.

“These online tools are a clear example of how we are enhancing our services for residents and business customers, by making it easier, more convenient and accessible to do business with us,” said Wise. “With COVID-19 and the current recommendations for physical distancing, knowing that you can effectively complete transactions with the City online from the safety of your home or office is not only a convenience, but a comfort.”

A business licence is required to own or operate a business in Kelowna and includes retail and commercial establishments, management and professional firms and home businesses. Business licences must be renewed annually. Note that new for 2021, licencees who renew after the January 15 deadline are subject to a $25 late payment penalty fee.

For more information about the business licensing and to register for a Property Account, visit kelowna.ca/business.