Pre-Authorized Tax Payment Plan


The Pre-Authorized Tax (PAT) payment plan is an optional plan allowing you to pay your taxes in 12 monthly installments instead of a single yearly payment. It follows the regular tax year, which runs from January to December. Your first five monthly payments (January to May) will be estimated based on your previous year's taxes.

When you receive your annual tax notice in May, any adjustments required as a result of the annual levy will be spread over the last seven payments of the year. Your tax notice will reflect the revised monthly amount. Arrangements can be made to allow you to join the plan during the current tax year.
 

Example:

Step 1 
 
Step 2 
 
Last Year's Taxes 
$3,000 
New Tax Bill Arrives 
$3,200 
 
 
Subtract Amount Paid 
-$1,250 
 
 
New Balance (June-Dec)
$1,950
January 
$250 
 
 
February 
$250 
June
$279
March 
$250 
July
$279
April 
$250 
August
$279
May 
$250 
September
$279
Payments (Jan - May) 
$1,250 
October
$279 
 
 
November
$279 
 
 
December
$279 
 
 
Payments (June-Dec) 
$1,950 
Total Paid for the Year
 $3,200


Joining the Plan 

If you decide to join the plan, you may be eligible for a refund of any taxes currently included with your mortgage payment. Your first installment won't be due to the City of St. Albert until January. If you move to the plan, the money collected by your mortgage company to date can either be applied to your principal or refunded directly to you (check with your bank or mortgage company as rules may vary).

You can join the plan if:
  • You have chequing privileges at any bank, trust company, treasury branch, or credit union; and
  • Your application is received before the start of the next calendar year.
Payments may only be made by automatic withdrawal from your chequing account. The City of St. Albert requires your written permission before the withdrawals begin. There is no charge for this service; however, your normal bank service charges may apply.

Complete and sign an authorization form, which can be obtained from City of St. Albert Taxation. Return the form along with a sample cheque marked "VOID" to:

City of St. Albert
5 St. Anne Street 
St. Albert, AB  T8N 3Z9

Your account can be debited on either the 15th or the last day of each month, whichever best fits your budget or payday cycle. Enrolment in the plan continues from year to year until cancelled. There's no need to reapply unless you move.

Changing the Plan

The City of St. Albert requires two weeks notice to make any changes to your account. This includes changing your chequing account, withdrawing from the plan, or buying, selling or building a new property.

If you are changing your chequing account, you must provide a new "VOID" cheque to Taxation at least two weeks before the next payment date.

You may withdraw from the plan at any time by giving written notice to the city. If payments are missed, the City of St. Albert has the option to cancel the agreement.

If you withdraw from the plan or your plan is cancelled, all unpaid taxes become due and payable, and are subject to penalties in accordance with the penalty bylaw.

For More Information:

If you have any further questions regarding the Pre-Authorized Tax Payment Plan please contact: >

Taxation Branch
5 St. Anne Street
St. Albert Place, Main Floor

Phone:  780-459-1516
Fax:  780-459-1733