The assessment process establishes the value of a property in relation to similar properties. The purpose of property assessment is to distribute the property tax fairly among property owners in a municipality. The assessment of a property does not in itself generate property taxes. Property taxes are generated when the tax rate, established by the municipality, is applied to the assessed value of your property. Your municipality sets its tax rate based on the amount of revenue it needs for local programs and services. The property tax bill also includes a school tax, which is collected by the municipality and then submitted to the province.
Timelines: The Municipality receives its annual assessments from Northern Assessment Services Ltd. by the end of February each year.
Council usually passes the mill rate bylaw (which sets the tax rates for the current tax year) in early April.
Assessment and tax notices are mailed by the end of April at the latest.
Taxes are due by May 31st of each year.
Beginning June 2, 1% penalty is added to any outstanding property taxes at the beginning of each month, with a 10% penalty being added if still unpaid by the following January 15.
Effective 2010, assessment complaints must be filed within 60 days of the date on the Assessment Notice.
Assessment Complaints: Assessment complaints cannot be filed about the tax rate. If you do not agree with your assessment, contact Northern Assessment Services Ltd. at 780-624-7710 to make sure that the details of your property are correct.
If after reviewing the information about your property and any comparative properties, and you are still unable to come to an agreement about your assessment with the assessor, you can file a complaint with the Municipal District of Peace Assessment Review Board Clerk at the Municipal Office in Berwyn. A copy of the Assessment Complaint Form can be accessed below.
