Frequently Asked Assessment / Taxation Questions
I understand assessment, but how does the City determine my taxes?
i)
First, City Council sets the budget based on service levels for
residents and priorities for sustaining and developing our community.
ii) The City then projects how much revenue it expects to receive from grants, user fees, permits, fines, and investments.
iii) A final calculation is made to determine the remaining municipal revenue requirement to be levied through property taxation.
iv) The Alberta Government sends the City of St Albert a bill for our share of the provincial education tax requirement.
v) The City then sets the appropriate tax rates which determine each property owner's fair share of the municipal and education property tax requirement, based on their property's market value assessment.
Does property value directly affect the tax rate?
Property
owners may be concerned about the effects that the housing market will
have on their property taxes. Increases or decreases in market value of
property do not drive the tax rate. In fact, if the market value of the
average property increases by 25%, the tax rate is actually reduced by
25% to compensate. Conversely, if the market value of the average
property decreases by 10%, the tax rate is increased by 10% to
compensate. This concept is referred to as revenue neutrality. It is
the increase or decrease in costs associated with providing &
sustaining services, and managing growth in the city that drives the
tax rate. City Council determines the amount of funding required to
operate and further develop the city and the tax rate to reach that
annual funding target.
Can I appeal my taxes?
No.
Appealing the amount of your tax levy or the tax rate is not valid
grounds for appeal. A valid appeal is restricted to your property's
assessed value. The Assessment Review Board has no jurisdiction to
hear complaints related to tax amounts or tax rates.
Who should I contact if I have questions?
Contact the Taxation Department at 780-459-1516 if you have questions regarding the following.
-
Your tax account
-
Your pre-authorized payment plan
-
School support declarations
-
Tax payment methods and deadlines
-
General billing inquiries
-
Addressing corrections
Contact the Assessment Department at 780-459-1603 if you have questions regarding the following.
- Your assessed value
- Your assessment classification
- Sales comparables
- Assessment methodology
