Brampton council approved a motion allowing residents and businesses to defer property tax payments for up to five months during a special council meeting on March 25.

The mayor and council first announced the program earlier in the week, and full details are now available on the city's website.

The city is suspending all late penalties and interest charges until Aug. 19, including the most recent instalment, which was due March 18. The third instalment, due April 22, will also be exempt from interest and late penalties until Aug. 19. Taxes already paid will not be refunded.

Those who haven't made prepayment arrangements do not have to apply, but must make all payments by Aug. 19. However, all prepayment cancellation requests must be sent to the city in writing and can be submitted through a form on found on the city’s website at www.Brampton.ca. Applicants must include their name, address, roll number and provide details of their payment cancellation request.

Tax payments will still be accepted, and the city is encouraging those able to keep paying to do so, but the deferral program is open to all residents and businesses in Brampton.

“These are interim measures to assist residents over the coming weeks and months. After August 19, penalty and interest charges will be charged on tax arrears unless further measures are enacted in response to our conditions at that time,” said the city on its website. “Taxpayers are encouraged to make tax payments on the original due dates."

Mayor Patrick Brown said at Wednesday’s special meeting that further deferments are possible depending on the duration of the COVID-19 pandemic and resulting disruptions and council would revisit the issue at a later date if necessary.

City staff told council those still struggling to pay after Aug. 19 can contact 311 and speak to someone about setting up a payment plan.

Interest charges for those already in arrears will also be suspended for the duration of the program, but those debts will not be cancelled and repayment is still required.

Unless cancelled, the next instalments for April 1, 15 and 22 will automatically be withdrawn for those have made prepayment arrangements through their banks. Those who have submitted postdated cheques to pay their taxes can also cancel those payments, but must also contact 311 to do so.