What to do if you don’t agree with your City of Calgary Property Tax Assessment for 2023
If you're a property owner in Calgary and you disagree with your property tax assessment, there are a few steps you can take to try to get the assessment changed.
First, it's important to understand that property tax assessments are completed by the City of Calgary's Assessment and Taxation Department, and they are based on the estimated market value of your property as of July 1st of the previous year. If you think your assessment is too high, it could be because the city believes your property is worth more than you do.
To start the process of contesting your assessment, you should first review the information that the City has on file for your property. This can include things like the square footage of your home, the age of your home, and any improvements that have been made. Make sure to look over this information carefully, as you may find errors or inaccuracies that you can use as the basis for your appeal.
If you do find errors in the information the City has on file for your property, you can contact the City's Assessment and Taxation Department to request that they be corrected. You'll need to provide documentation to support your claim that the information is inaccurate, such as a copy of a building permit or a real estate appraisal.
If you don't find any errors in the information the City has on file for your property, but you still believe your assessment is too high, you can file a Notice of Complaint. This is a formal request for a review of your assessment by the Assessment Review Board, an independent body that can consider your evidence and testimony and make a decision on your assessment.
The complaint needs to be filed within 90 days of the date on which the assessment notice was mailed to you, so it's important to act quickly. When you file a Notice of Complaint, you will be required to pay a fee to the City, which will be refunded to you if your assessment is reduced as a result of the review. It's important to note that when you file a Notice of Complaint, you will be required to provide evidence to support your claim that your assessment is too high. This might include things like comparable sales of similar properties in your area, or a professional appraisal of your property.
If the assessment review board agrees that your assessment was too high, your assessment will be adjusted accordingly and you will be refunded the difference in property taxes you paid, with interest. It is important to keep in mind that the process can be quite lengthy, and you may want to consider getting help from a professional. Having a good knowledge of real estate and property laws, as well as being a professional appraiser can greatly increase your chances of success.
In summary, if you disagree with your property tax assessment in Calgary, the first step is to review the information the City has on file for your property and look for any errors or inaccuracies. If you find any, contact the City's Assessment and Taxation Department to request that they be corrected. If you still believe your assessment is too high, you can file a Notice of Complaint with the Assessment Review Board, providing evidence to support your claim.
PROTIP: You need to make sure that even if you don't agree with the number on your property taxes that you PAY YOUR TAXES. Any over payment will be credited to your account. We've seen many client avoid paying while they dispute their property value and end up with late payment interest in the meantime!
For more information visit the City of Calgary website
To file a Notice of Complaint
