Assessment and Tax - FAQs
Top 10 Frequently Asked Questions:
1. What is my property assessment based on?
The Assessment & Taxation process is governed by Provincial legislation; your 2012 property assessment is based on a July 1, 2011 market value estimate, as measured by the real estate marketplace (i.e. property sales).
2. How do I know my property assessment (market value) is accurate?
Your property characteristics are measured against other properties that have sold, in order to calculate a market value. Characteristics such as location, age, size and others are all considered. Confirm your property characteristics .
3. If I don’t agree with my property assessment, what can I do?
If, after having discussed your assessment with an Assessor, you are still of the opinion that your assessment is incorrect, you may file a written complaint to the Assessment Review Board. Step by step instructions will be available on the back of your 2012 Assessment & Tax Notice (to be mailed in May).
4. Council has approved a 4.25% Municipal tax increase for the 2012 County budget; does this mean my municipal taxes will go up by this amount?
The County will collect 4.25% more municipal taxes (in total) from the taxable assessment base, but each property may experience an increase more or less than 4.25%, dependant on how each property assessment (market value estimate) has changed relative to the average. For example, if the average residential market value decrease is 2% (July 1, 2010 to July 1, 2011) and your property assessment has stayed approximately the same or increased you will have a greater than 4.25% municipal tax increase.
5. How much of my total 2012 tax bill is used for Municipal services?
Of every residential property tax dollar, 60% pays for municipal services, 37% is collected on behalf of the Province for education and 3% supports the library and Seniors Management Services.
6. What services do I receive for my 2012 Municipal taxes?
For a sample residential property, with a property assessment of $415,000, these are the approximate 2012 monthly costs:
|
Public Transit |
$ 16 $ 18 $ 31 $ 37 $ 46 $148 |
Residential property taxes account for only 26% of the County’s annual revenue requirements.
7. Is there a penalty for not paying my taxes on time?
Property taxes are due on June 29, 2012 (your property tax bill covers the period January 1, 2012 to December 31, 2012). Taxes for the current calendar year that remain unpaid are subject to the following penalties:
· July 1 - 3% (on unpaid current tax levy)
· August 1 - 6% (on unpaid current tax levy,
not including July 1 penalty)
· September 1 - 9% (on unpaid current tax levy,
not including the July 1 and August 1 penalty)
8. What payment options do I have?
1. Internet banking
2. Telephone banking
3. At chartered banks and credit unions
4. By mail (post dated cheques are accepted)
5. At the envelope deposit box (south side of County Hall)
6. In person at Strathcona County Hall
7. In person at Heartland Hall (by cheque only)
Please see our 'Methods of Payment' section at Methods of tax payment
Stathcona County offers a convenient plan that enables you to pay your property tax in 12 monthly payments, instead of one annual payment. Please see our Tax Instalment Payment Plan section at Tax Instalment Payment Plan
9. Are there any property tax rebate programs for seniors?
Yes, there are two programs available;
1. Strathcona Senior’s Property Tax Rebate (County funded) is a flat $100 rebate, available to low-income seniors’ households. You must be eligible for the Alberta Seniors Benefit program and reside on your own property within Strathcona County.
2. Education Property Tax Assistance for Seniors Program (Provincially funded) provides an education property tax rebate for seniors that have experienced a year to year increase in their education taxes.
Clink link for more information on Seniors' Rebates.
10. Where can I find out more information?
You are welcome to visit the Assessment & Tax Department at County Hall, Office hours 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday to Friday. You may also contact us as follows;
| Property Assessesment Inquiries |
Municipal Property Taxes Inquiries |
|
| Phone | 780-464-8196 | 780-464-8120 |
| Fax | 780-464-8270 | 780-464-8270 |
| assess@strathcona.ca | taxation@strathcona.ca |
Last updated: Tuesday, May 01, 2012
Page ID: 7263