June 15, 2021
Supporting the City of Mississauga’s COVID-19 recovery Building Back Better principle, the Tax and Revenue Customer Service Counter and Cashiers Desk at the Civic Centre will permanently close as of Thursday, July 1, 2021. The closures incorporate positive changes, permanent efficiencies and redesigning City services to build resiliency.
“The COVID-19 pandemic restrictions have temporarily closed a number of municipal buildings over the last 18 months – including the Civic Centre where both counters are located. Despite the building closures, City business continued. Staff developed alternative methods to maintain services for the public,” said Shawn Slack, Acting Commissioner, Corporate Services and Chief Financial Officer. “I want to reassure those who have used the Tax and Revenue Customer Service Counter and the Cashiers Desk for past transactions, that these permanent closures will not affect access to services. Alternative payment options are available.”
Closures will affect those who previously made payments in person at the Civic Centre for property taxes, Municipal Accommodation Tax (MAT), parking tickets, water bills, accounts receivable invoices, garbage tags and parking permits.“Permanently closing the Tax Counters and Cashiers Desk has provided sizable cost-savings.
This is due largely to staff redeployments, efficiencies with automating payment processes and not having to manage hardcopy paperwork,” said Connie Mesih, Director of Revenue & Materiel Management. “We have also experienced a number of time-saving measures such as no lineups, faster transactions and processing times, as well as seeing more residents pay their taxes directly at the bank.”
If a resident has a tax question, they can email Revenue staff at tax@mississauga.ca or call 311 to have general inquiries addressed. Residents can continue to use online tax services. Those wishing to book a call-back for tax inquires can use the Front Desk kiosk at the Civic Centre. Staff are currently developing additional online services and are looking to expand the use of Front Desk for appointment bookings.
The drop box at the Cashiers Desk and the external North Entrance drop box at the Civic Centre will remain in service for cheque payments and applications.
For more information about the City’s tax office, visit mississauga.ca/services-and-programs/property-taxes/contact/.
-30-