Learn about the new billing system and how it works
The City of Burnaby is moving to a new online business licence system, making it easier and more convenient for you to renew, modify and pay for your business licence.
Part of this transition also includes moving to an anniversary billing system. The new system will allow you to pay for your business licence each year based on the application date. During the transition, the invoice amounts and licence terms may vary according to the original application date of your business. Your licence duration can be shorter or longer than what you're used to—anywhere between 6 - 17 months. You will receive your annual business licence renewal invoice in early November.
Business licence fees are not increasing, but you may have to pay for more than 12 months at a time, depending on your new licence term.
At the end of the transitional period, businesses will renew their licences for 12 months, aligning the renewal date with the month of your original application date.
| Original Application Month | Transitional Licence in Months | Transitional Licence Validity Period |
|---|---|---|
| July | 6 | January 1-June 30, 2022 |
| August | 7 | January 1-July 31, 2022 |
| September | 8 | January 1-August 31, 2022 |
| October | 9 | January 1-September 30, 2022 |
| November | 10 | January 1-October 31, 2022 |
| December | 11 | January 1-November 30, 2022 |
| January | 12 | January 1-December 31, 2022 |
| February | 13 | January 1, 2022-January 31, 2023 |
| March | 14 | January 1, 2022-February 28, 2023 |
| April | 15 | January 1, 2022-March 31, 2023 |
| May | 16 | January 1, 2022-April 30, 2023 |
| June | 17 | January 1, 2022-May 31, 2023 |
Example 1: If you applied for a business licence in September, your 2022 business licence renewal invoice will cover and be valid from January 1, 2022, to August 31, 2022 (8 months). Before September 1, 2022, you will receive another notice to renew your licence that will cover and be valid until August 31, 2023.
Example 2: If you applied for a business licence in April, your 2022 business licence would cover and be valid from January 1, 2022, to March 31, 2023 (15 months). Before April 1, 2023, you will receive a notice to renew your licence for 12 months.
Questions and answers
You will be assigned a new account # for your business. This new number 7XXXXXX replaces your previous BUSXX-XXXXX. You can use the new account number to make payments, bank online, and register your business on My Property Portal.
Yes, but the account information used to make payment is changing. Customers will need to reassign Burnaby as a payee in online banking and use their new 7 digit account number as a reference going forward. Your old licence number starting with BUS will no longer work for online banking.
Anniversary billing allows you to pay for your business licence each year based on the application date. For example, if you pay for your business licence in March, it will be valid for one year forward, rather than ending on December 31.
Your new licence will expire based on the original application date of your business starting 2022. Depending on this date, your licence duration can be shorter or longer than what you're used to. We will send a business licence renewal notice each year at that same period. Some businesses may not see billing changes to their account.
The rates for business licences in Burnaby have not changed. Some licences may be shorter or longer depending on original application dates, which will reflect on your invoice. Each year after that, you will be sent an invoice for a 12-month term 60 days before your licence expires.
My Property Portal allows you to easily access your business licence information and renewal notices and make payments using a credit card*. You may also change your preference to receive all payment notices through paper or email.
*We will charge a 1.75% convenience fee for all credit card payments.