Tobacco Tax

Tobacco Tax Application Information

When filling out the forms make sure that your Band number, birth date, address, phone numbers are all correct and your form is SIGNED (forms with no signature will not be processed) 

Please make sure that your application is complete with supporting documents before coming in - otherwise, it will not be processed.

The Tobacco Tax Form can be completed online, or printed and filled out by hand.

They can be mailed or dropped off at the following location: 

Lands (Lulumexun) Building: 5762 Allenby Road, Duncan, B.C. V9L 5J1 

Or fax to 250-715-3323  

Have questions? Please email: tobtax@cowichantribes.com

2022 TOBACCO TAX DISTRIBUTION DATES 

2022 Tobacco Tax amount: $347.15 per person
Application Deadline: November 18, 2022
Distribution Date: December 7, 2022
Distribution Location: ** mail and direct deposit only **

Funds not applied for by the date will go back into the community distribution.

If you missed the November 18, 2022 deadline for the December 7, 2022 distribution, you can still submit your 2022 Tobacco Tax forms ON OR BEFORE the following dates:  
 
APPLICATION DEADLINE DISTRIBUTION DATE
   
Jan 13, 2023 Jan 20, 2023
Apr 7, 2023 Apr 14, 2023
July 7, 2023 July 14, 2023
Sept 8, 2023 Sept 15, 2023

2022 Tobacco Tax Forms

If you are using an online application, you will know that it has been submitted successfully when you get to the success page after clicking the "submit" button.

We received feedback that a confirmation email would also be helpful. We have added this feature based on applicant feedback. 

 

Updated October 5, 2022
IMPORTANT - TOBACCO TAX INFORMATION
If you have not sent in your direct deposit form as of November 10, 2022 there is no guarantee that your money can be direct deposited for Tobacco Tax December 7, 2022 distribution.
 
Multiple incomplete tobacco tax applications have been faxed in. The following are the reasons for them being incomplete:
  • Missing page 2 (only page one was faxed in)
  • Missing a signature
  • Missing supporting documents such as documents to prove who has custody of children. These documents are required to ensure the correct person receives the child's distribution.

Please ensure you provide current contact information. We are unable to assist applicants regarding the missing information when their contact number is no longer in service. If you aren't sure if this applies to you, please call the Tobacco Tax team 236-800-4023 or email tobtax@cowichantribes.com

Incomplete applications cannot be processed, please follow up with the tobacco tax team so you can be sure to receive your distribution on December 7, 2022.

Please always keep your contact information up to date - it is important for us to be able to keep in contact with our membership.

 

FAQ's

If I am non-native or non-member, but am the parent/guardian of a Cowichan Tribes child(ren), can I apply?

YES. According to the policy, Criteria For Eligibility, item 6 states "The parent/caregiver/guardian who has care and control of the child/children is the person eligible to apply and receive the Tobacco Tax distribution; if in dispute proof of Child Tax benefits or proof of guardianship must be provided".

If I miss the application Deadline, can I still apply?

The final application deadline is September 15, 2023. If you do not submit an application by this date, you will not receive your 2022 Tobacco Tax distribution. 

What happens to the funds if I do not apply?

All unclaimed funds are carried forward to next year's distribution.

 

Can I have my funds Direct Deposited?

Yes you can, if you have an account in Canada. You must provide a void cheque or have your bank fill out a Direct Deposit Form and provide the document to the Tobacco Tax Team. If you fax the document, please make sure to leave a contact number in case any of the information is hard to read, otherwise please scan and email the form to tobtax@cowichantribes.com The form can take up to 5 business days to process, therefore it is up to the member to keep their banking information up to date.

What if I do not have a Canadian Bank account?

Unfortunately Cowichan Tribes is unable to administer direct deposits to banks outside of Canada.

How long before Tobacco Tax distribution should I submit my direct deposit information?

Direct deposit forms should be provided to finance the same time you submit your Tobacco Tax application. Finance starts to process the payments as soon as Tobacco Tax Team approves your application.

Do I have to send in bank information each year?

No. You only have to submit a new direct deposit form if your bank account changes.

What happens if I changed bank accounts but forgot to tell Cowichan Tribes?

Cowichan Tribes can not retrieve funds that have been submitted as direct deposit for active accounts. If an account has been closed, Cowichan Tribes will have to wait until the funds are returned from the bank institute before they are able to re-issue.