Property Assessment
Assessment is the process of estimating a dollar value on a property for taxation purposes. This value is used to calculate the amount of taxes that will be charged to the owner of the property.
Assessments for all types of property are prepared by accredited municipal assessors which are appointed by the City. Assessors obtain required information through many means including site inspections, building permits and blueprints, sales data from Alberta Registries, and by written request.
The Market Value Approach |
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In Alberta, residential and most commercial property is assessed using the market value approach. Market value is defined as the price a property might reasonably sell for after adequate time and exposure to an open market when sold by a willing seller to a willing buyer. The assessor will consider the same factors that any other real estate specialist would use when determining the value of a property. Assessors can readily check assessments by making comparisons with recent sales and assessments of similar properties in the neighbourhood. For residential properties, these factors include but not limited to:
For multi-family (apartment) and commercial properties, these factors also include income and expense information. These types of properties are bought and sold based on the rental (lease) income they produce and therefore property owners may be requested to submit this information to the assessor. |
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Assessment Value Search |
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Search a property to view tax assessments. OR Access the Assessment Summary & Property Information, for fair market land & improvement valuation, in relation to other similar properties in the City of Fort Saskatchewan. |
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Reviewing your Property Assessment |
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Review your property assessment notice to ensure:
Next, compare the assessment on your notice to the typical market value of your property as of July 1 of the previous year. You may compare your assessment to the assessments of other properties similar in size, age, quality, condition and location. To check that your property assessment is fair in relation to other similar properties in the City, you may review the assessment roll at City Hall 10005-102 Street or you can search a property online. Once you have compared your new assessment to its previous year's market value and to the assessment of similar neighbouring properties, and if you still have questions or concerns about your assessment, contact the Finance Department. You can also fill out an Assessment Inquiry Form to have the assessor contact you about your assessment concern. Who is the Assessor? The City of Fort Saskatchewan is a member of the Capital Region Assessment Services Commission. The Commission has contracted Tanmar Consulting Inc. to complete the assessments for the City. |
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Filing a Complaint |
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If you are not satisfied with the assessment after talking with an Assessor, you may file a complaint with the Assessment Review Board (ARB). To file an assessment complaint to the ARB:
The Assessment Review Board cannot hear matters that are not listed on your complaint. Fees for filing a complaintThere is a fee for filing a complaint. The fees for different property types are listed below (see back of assessment notice). The deadline for filing a complaint is 60 days from date your assessment is mailed. Residential and Farmland (all values): $25.00
View the Fees and Charges Bylaw Preparing for Your Assessment Complaint or Appeal Hearing Information to help you prepare your assessment complaint can be found on the Municipal Affairs website. If you have questions please contact the Assessment Services Branch at 780-422-1377. To call toll-free, dial 310-0000 then 780-422-1377. What if I disagree with the decision of the Assessment Review Board (ARB)? If you disagree with the decision of the Assessment Review Board, you may file an appeal to the Court of Queen's Bench of Alberta. An appeal can only be made if you believe that the ARB made an error on a question of law or jurisdiction. You have 30 days from the date you receive the written decision of the ARB to file your application for "Leave to Appeal" with the court. |
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FAQs |
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