Town separates assessment and tax notices

Nothing says Happy New Year like the thought of tax season approaching. Property taxes are the reality that every home and commercial property owner face at the turn of the calendar. This year the Town of High River is helping residents prepare a little earlier for their property taxes by separating assessment notices from their tax bills.

For 2012, property assessments will be completed and mailed by March while tax notices will not be sent out until May. This is part of a new regulation in the Municipal Government Act that increases the amount of time from 30 to 60 days for homeowners to appeal their assessment.

"Several municipalities have already started to do this," explained Leana Ashbacher, manager of accounting for the Town. "By mailing the notices earlier, residents have more time to attend open houses about assessments before deciding whether to appeal."

"Assessments must be completed before the mill rate can be set," said Director of Finance Mitch Schneider. "Municipal tax levies are determined by multiplying the mill rate by a property’s assessed value so the mill rate is used to distribute the total tax burden in the community."

The Municipal portion of the tax levy is the only area of property taxes that are controlled by the Town. There are two additional components to the levy, the education tax and funding for the Foothills Foundation, which are both beyond the municipality’s jurisdiction.

By separating tax and assessment notices, residents will be able to see their assessment earlier in the process. This adjustment in notification reflects council’s commitment to improve communication with the public.

For more information, residents can contact the Town’s finance department at 403.652.2110