New property tax system may help weather a potential Canada Post service disruption this month

Medicine Hat – A possible Canada Post service disruption could begin later this month near the time Medicine Hat’s property tax notices will be mailed. The City’s new property tax system allows owners to view and pay their taxes online.

The City of Medicine Hat will mail property tax notices on Wednesday, May 21, at which time they are legally deemed to be received. If a strike happens, the service disruption will impact the delivery of paper tax notices.

“With the Canada Post collective agreements set to expire May 22, we’re preparing in advance in case a postal strike resumes so that our residents have access to all the resources they need to do business with us,” said Denise Schmaltz, the City’s Manager of Customer Care and Billing.

“At this time of the year, that includes paying their property taxes on time to avoid penalty. Thankfully, our new tax system can accommodate online viewing and transactions, so we’re just jumping ahead a few weeks to get people enrolled.”

On March 10, the City of Medicine Hat implemented a new tax system that allows improved online functionality for property owners. To set up their eTax account, property owners require an access code which the City planned to have printed on the paper tax notices set to be delivered this month.

“Since the paper notices may be delayed, we’re letting everyone know that they can email or call our office and we can provide their access code in advance so that they can manage their 2025 tax affairs online if a mail disruption occurs,” said Schmaltz.

If there is no strike, the mailed paper copies will be delivered as usual.

On eTax, users can access view their assessment and property tax notices online, sign up for paperless billing, and pay their taxes with a credit card.

Anyone wanting their access code or assistance setting up eTax can contact Customer Care at 403-529-8111, tax@medicinehat.ca, or visit in person on the main floor of City Hall at 580 First Street SE.

Users will then create an eTax account at medicinehat.ca/eTax.

Property taxes are due June 30, 2025. An 8.5 per cent late penalty is charged on unpaid tax balances on July 1, 2025.

Schmaltz adds, “The easiest way to pay your taxes is through monthly installments by signing up for the Tax Installment Payment Plan (TIPP) before June 30, 2025.”

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