Overview of Tax & Assessment
Property Taxes
What are property taxes?
Property taxes are local taxes. Local officials appraise and set the value of your property, set your tax rates and collect your taxes.
What are they used for?
Property taxes are used entirely to support local subdivisions of government and are a major source of funding for their operation. Taxes help fund essential services such as education, fire and police protection, streets, sewers, senior citizen transportation, natural resources districts, parks and recreational areas and many other local services.
How are my taxes calculated?
The taxes are calcuated by multiplying the market value assessment of the property by the mill rate. The mill rate is set in January each year by Council.
When are my taxes due?
Tax notices for the current year are mailed out in May and are due by June 30th of the current year unless you are on the Tax Installment Payment Plan (TIPP). Click here for more information on TIPPs.
What happens if I do not pay my taxes?
If the taxes are not paid in the current year a 6% penalty will be applied to the account on July 1st, September 1st and November 1st. Taxes that go into arrears from the current year will be penalized at 1.5% per month until paid. All tax arrears must be paid before payment can be applied to the current year. If your taxes are more than two years in arrears the Town of High River will proceed with the Tax Recovery Process as set out the Municipal Goverment Act of Alberta.
IHow do I apply for Education Property Tax Assistance for Seniors?
Please visit the following website for information on applying: http://www.seniors.gov.ab.ca/financial_assistance/eptasp/apply/index.asp
